600. Trial For The Yuan Brothers Pt.2

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Their bickering only served to heighten the contempt of the crowd. The people's resentment, simmering for years, boiled over as they jeered and shouted insults at the brothers. It was a scene of complete humiliation for the once-proud scions of the Yuan family.

Lie Fan raised his hand, and the square fell silent. His voice was steady and authoritative as he addressed the defendants. "Your attempts to deflect blame onto one another only confirm the depths of your selfishness and cowardice. The people of Zhongshan, and indeed the entire north, have suffered greatly under your rule. This trial is not just about your punishment but about restoring justice and dignity to those you have wronged."

The trial continued, but it was clear that the punishment for Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang had already been decided. This was merely a formality, a necessary observance of tradition. The Yuan family, as a major noble clan, could not simply be executed without trial.

Such an act, while emotionally satisfying to many, would be frowned upon by the remaining nobility. Lie Fan, despite his disdain for these traditions, adhered to them to maintain the support of the northern aristocracy during the integration of his newly conquered domain.

As the sun reached its zenith, the verdict was delivered. Sima Yi stepped forward, his voice ringing out across the square. "The court finds Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang guilty of all charges. Their crimes against the people and the state are unforgivable. The sentence is death, to be carried out immediately."

The crowd erupted into cheers, their cries of approval echoing through the streets of Zhongshan. Yuan Tan and Yuan Shang, their faces pale and drawn, were led away to meet their fate. Their execution marked the final chapter in the fall of the Yuan family, a dramatic conclusion to the dynasty that had once dominated the north.

With the trial concluded, Lie Fan addressed the crowd, his voice resonant and filled with determination. "Today, justice has been served. But let this be a reminder to all: no one, not even the most powerful, is above the law. Together, we will rebuild the north. We will create a land where justice, prosperity, and peace prevail. This is my promise to you."

The crowd cheered again, their faith in Lie Fan solidified by his words and actions. As he descended from the dais, his advisors gathered around him, their expressions a mixture of satisfaction and resolve. Sima Yi spoke first, his voice tinged with admiration. "You handled the trial masterfully, my lord. The people's trust in you has only grown."

Xun You nodded in agreement. "Indeed. But the work is far from over. The integration of the northern territories will require careful planning and execution. The nobility will need to be managed, and the people's grievances addressed."

Lie Fan's gaze was firm. "I am well aware. The north is the foundation of our future. We will ensure its stability and prosperity, no matter the challenges."

Meanwhile, news of the trial and executions spread rapidly across the land, further solidifying Lie Fan's reputation as a just and decisive leader. His swift consolidation of the north and his commitment to justice sent ripples through the political landscape. Warlords and nobles alike took notice, recognizing that Lie Fan's action was to be reckoned with.

On the other hand, inside the central command hall, Zhou Yu reviewed the defensive plans with Zhou Tai, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang. The room was tense but focused, the air thick with the weight of the impending battle. Maps and diagrams lay sprawled across the table, marked with strategies and fallback positions.

"We've fortified the gates and reinforced the walls," Zhou Yu said, his voice steady but firm. "The archers are in place, and the oil traps are ready. If Liu Bei's army wishes to breach Lingling, they will pay dearly for every inch."

Cheng Pu nodded. "The men are disciplined and prepared. We've drilled them repeatedly for this moment. But we must remain vigilant. Guan Yu and Zhang Fei are no ordinary generals. Their reputations alone could shake a lesser force."

Han Dang chimed in, his expression grim. "Their siege engines will be a problem. If they manage to breach the walls, the fight will turn into brutal street combat. We must hold them at the gates for as long as possible."

Zhou Tai, ever the calm strategist, added, "Our cavalry is positioned to launch flanking attacks if they attempt to encircle us. But we must conserve our strength. This is not just a battle for Lingling, it's a battle to maintain our position in the south."

As the four discussed contingencies for the umpteenth time, a guard burst into the hall, his breath ragged. "My lords, Liu Bei's army has stopped five kilometers from the city and is setting up camp. They're building siege engines and fortifying their position."

Zhou Yu's lips curled into a small, calculated smile. "Good. This gives us time to ensure every man and weapon is ready. Inform the soldiers to move to their designated positions. We will not be caught unprepared."

Zhou Tai, Cheng Pu, and Han Dang nodded and left the hall without hesitation, barking orders as they exited. The city sprang to life, soldiers marching to their posts, barricades being reinforced, and weapons distributed. Zhou Yu, ever the perfectionist, took one final sweep of the city's defenses, ensuring everything was in place.

Meanwhile, in Liu Bei's camp, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei oversaw the construction of siege engines and the preparation of their troops. Despite their morale being battered by recent setbacks, the two brothers worked tirelessly to instill confidence in their men. They knew that the fall of Lingling was crucial for their brother's vision of unifying the fractured land.

Guan Yu, with his serene demeanor, walked among the troops, offering words of encouragement. "Remember," he said, his deep voice carrying over the sounds of hammers and saws, "we fight not for conquest but for justice and the people. Lingling is but a stepping stone to a better future for all."

Zhang Fei, in stark contrast, used his booming voice to rally the men. "Let the Sun Clan tremble! Do they think their walls can stop us? Hah! We'll tear them down and show them the might of Liu Bei's army!"

The soldiers responded with a mix of cheers and nervous laughter. Despite the harsh conditions and low morale, their loyalty to Liu Bei and their faith in Guan Yu and Zhang Fei kept them moving forward.

As night fell, the two brothers convened in their command tent to finalize their plans. The map of Lingling lay before them, marked with possible entry points and weak spots in the defenses. Guan Yu traced a finger over the diagram, his mind calculating the risks and rewards of each approach.

"The northern gate appears to be the weakest," Guan Yu observed. "If we focus our siege engines there, we can create an opening. However, Zhou Yu is no fool. He'll have anticipated this."

Zhang Fei leaned over the map, his brow furrowed. "Then we hit them where they least expect it. A frontal assault on the main gate while a smaller force attacks the northern gate. It'll split their focus and stretch their defenses thin."

Guan Yu nodded thoughtfully. "It's a bold plan, brother. But we must be cautious. Zhou Yu's forces are well-trained and well-led. We cannot afford to underestimate them."

As the brothers continued to strategize, the sounds of the camp echoed around them—soldiers sharpening swords, the crackle of fires, and the distant hum of voices. The calm before the storm was palpable.

The next morning, as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, both armies prepared for the inevitable clash. At Lingling, Zhou Yu stood atop the walls, his gaze fixed on the distant camp of Liu Bei's army. The sight of siege engines being assembled sent a chill down his spine, but he remained composed.

"Let them come," Zhou Yu murmured to himself. "We will show them that Lingling is no easy prize."

In Liu Bei's camp, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei donned their armor, their expressions resolute. The time for words had passed. Now, only action remained. As their soldiers formed ranks, the two brothers exchanged a glance, a silent promise to fight with all their strength.

With their orders, Liu Bei's soldiers began the assault on Lingling. Siege engines such as battering rams, catapults, and towering ladders, were wheeled into position as the sun climbed higher into the sky. The clang of metal and the grunts of laboring soldiers filled the air as the siege engines launched their first salvos against Lingling's walls.

From atop the city walls, Zhou Yu surveyed the battlefield, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. The siege engines fired volleys of stones and flaming projectiles, crashing against the sturdy fortifications. The Sun Clan soldiers stood ready, their morale unshaken. Zhou Yu raised his arm and shouted, "Hold your positions! Archers, prepare to fire! Oil traps, stand by!"

The defenders sprang into action. Archers lined the battlements, their bows drawn taut, waiting for the signal. Below, barrels of oil were prepared to be ignited and poured onto the attacking soldiers attempting to scale the walls. The air was thick with tension as the Sun Clan braced for the onslaught.

The battering rams reached the gates, and the thunderous booms of wood striking reinforced steel reverberated through the city. Liu Bei's troops cheered as they pressed the attack, their spirits bolstered by the sight of their siege engines in action. But the Sun Clan soldiers, well-rested and disciplined, were unyielding.

"Fire!" Zhou Yu commanded, and the archers unleashed a devastating hail of arrows. The projectiles rained down on Liu Bei's forces, piercing armor and flesh alike. Screams echoed as the attackers fell back momentarily, only to surge forward again under the commands of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei.

At the northern wall, Guan Yu led a contingent of soldiers to scale the battlements. His figure, calm and commanding, inspired his men as they placed ladders against the walls. The Sun Clan defenders pushed them back, using long pikes and boiling oil to thwart their ascent. One ladder was sent toppling, its climbers plummeting to the ground amidst cries of despair.

"Steady," Guan Yu said, his voice a beacon of calm amidst the chaos. "The walls may be high, but they are not insurmountable. Press on!"

Meanwhile, at the main gate, Zhang Fei's booming voice echoed as he rallied his troops. "Smash those gates! Let them see the might of our army! Push harder, you dogs, or I'll have your hides myself!" His fierce determination drove his men forward, but the Sun Clan defenders above poured boiling oil onto the battering ram, forcing the attackers to abandon it temporarily.

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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