614. Decision : Abandon Lingling

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Zhou Yu sighed and stepped away from the table, looking out the window at the city below. The fires of the battlefield were still visible in the distance, their smoke rising into the twilight sky. "Lingling," he said softly, "is it worth all of this losses we had today?"

The question hung in the air, startling the Sun Clan generals. Cheng Pu, who woke up from his surprise, was the first to respond. "Lingling is a vital city. It secures our borders and strengthens our position in the southern part of the Ji province region. Without it, we expose ourselves to further incursions."

But Zhou Yu shook his head. "That was true when the Sun Clan stood as an independent power. Now, as part of Lie Fan's force, our priorities have shifted. Lord Sun Jian and Lord Sun Ce made it clear, that our focus is on internal development, not expansion. Lingling is an expansionist ambition, not a developmental necessity."

Han Dang's brow furrowed as he heard Zhou Yu's words. "Are you suggesting we abandon Lingling? After all the blood we've spilled to defend it?"

Zhou Yu turned to face them, his expression resolute. "I'm suggesting we reevaluate its importance. Forty thousand men lost. Our resources are stretched thin. And for what? A city that lies on the edge of our borders, far from our core territories. Lingling may have strategic value, but does it outweigh the cost of holding it?"

Cheng Pu crossed his arms, his tone is cautious. "If we abandon Lingling, it sends a message to our enemies, especially Liu Bei, which is we are willing to retreat, to concede territory. That could embolden them."

Zhou Tai interjected, his voice measured. "But if we continue to pour resources into a losing battle, we weaken ourselves from within. Lingling's importance must be weighed against the stability of the Sun Clan as a whole."

Zhou Yu nodded, appreciating Zhou Tai's perspective. "Exactly. We've stopped expanding our borders since pledging allegiance to Lie Fan. Our focus must be on fortifying what we already have, on strengthening the foundation of our clan. Lingling is a frontier city, a prize, yes, but not a necessity."

The room fell silent as the generals absorbed Zhou Yu's words. The truth of his argument was undeniable, but it was a bitter pill to swallow. After a moment, Han Dang spoke. "If we're to abandon Lingling, we must do so strategically. We cannot allow Liu Bei to gain it without a fight that costs him dearly. We need to extract every ounce of advantage before we let go."

Zhou Yu smiled faintly. "Of course. If we decide to retreat, it will not be a retreat of defeat, but a calculated withdrawal. We will strip the city of its resources, sabotage its defenses, and leave nothing of value for Liu Bei to claim. But before we take such drastic measures, we must ensure that Lord Sun Jian and Lord Sun Ce are aligned in this decision. I will send word to the both of them. Their approval is essential."

Cheng Pu, though still uneasy, nodded. "Very well. In the meantime, we must maintain the appearance of strength. The enemy cannot suspect that we are considering withdrawal."

Zhou Yu agreed. "Exactly. Strengthen the defenses, rally the troops, and make it appear as though we are preparing for a prolonged siege. This will buy us time and keep Liu Bei's Army guessing."

Han Dang stood, his resolve firm. "Then let's make it so. If we are to fight, we'll fight to make them bleed. And if we are to leave, we'll leave them with ashes." As the meeting concluded, Zhou Yu remained behind, staring at the map. His mind raced with possibilities, weighing the costs and benefits of every decision.

Back in Liu Bei's camp, the mood was one of cautious optimism. The victory on the battlefield had boosted morale, but the commanders knew the war was far from over. Kuai Yue sat in the command tent, reviewing reports from the front lines. His sharp mind analyzed every detail, every potential move that Zhou Yu might make.

Guan Yu and Zhang Fei entered, their presence commanding as always. "Master Kuai Yue," Guan Yu began, his tone respectful, "today's victory was a testament to your strategy. But Zhou Yu is no fool. He will not make the same mistakes twice."

Kuai Yue nodded, his expression calm. "Indeed. Zhou Yu is a formidable opponent. He will adapt, just as we must. Our advantage lies in pressing the momentum. Lingling's defenses are formidable, but the cracks are beginning to show. We must exploit them before they can regroup."

Zhang Fei, ever the fiery one, grinned. "Then let's smash through their gates and take the city! Why wait?"

Chen Dao, who had joined the discussion, shook his head. "Patience, General Zhang. A reckless assault would only play into Zhou Yu's hands. His losses today were significant, but he is far from defeated. If we rush in without a plan, we risk falling into a trap."

Zhang Fei scowled but said nothing, deferring to Chen Dao's calm reasoning. Guan Yu placed a hand on his younger brother's shoulder. "Chen Dao is right. Zhou Yu's strength lies in his ability to turn the tide with clever tactics. We must remain vigilant and methodical."

Kuai Yue smiled faintly, pleased with the unity among Liu Bei's generals. "Our next move is crucial. Zhou Yu is likely to fortify Lingling further while assessing his losses. This gives us an opportunity. We will not storm the gates yet. Instead, we'll tighten our grip around the city, cutting off their supplies and communication. Lingling must feel the weight of isolation."

Chen Dao nodded. "A siege, then. Slow and deliberate. It will force Zhou Yu to either act rashly or abandon the city altogether."

Kuai Yue leaned forward, pointing to specific locations on the map. "Exactly. We'll deploy forces to block all key supply routes while maintaining the illusion of constant threat. Zhang Fei, your forces will take the eastern flank and harass any attempts to bring supplies into the city. Guan Yu, you'll command the main force near the southern gate, keeping their attention focused on you."

He then turned to Chen Dao. "Your troops will continue their covert operations, positioning themselves to intercept any retreat or reinforcement attempts. Stealth and precision will be key."

The generals exchanged glances, their confidence growing. Zhang Fei's fiery determination, Guan Yu's stoic leadership, and Chen Dao's disciplined approach created a balanced strategy that complemented Kuai Yue's brilliance.

Within Lingling's walls, the situation grew increasingly tense. Zhou Yu's commanders moved swiftly to implement the orders given at the council. Cheng Pu organized the remaining troops, bolstering defenses and preparing for the possibility of a siege. Han Dang led small cavalry units in daring raids outside the city, attempting to disrupt Liu Bei's tightening grip. Meanwhile, Zhou Tai oversaw efforts to gather intelligence on the enemy's next moves.

Despite their efforts, the strain was evident. Supplies dwindled, and the morale of the troops began to falter. Zhou Yu knew that time was not on their side. As he reviewed reports in the dimly lit chamber, a messenger arrived with a sealed letter bearing Sun Ce's seal. Breaking it open, Zhou Yu read the contents carefully.

The letter was concise yet clear: "After much deliberation, focus on preservation, not conquest. Lingling's value is not worth the further losses of our forces. Withdraw strategically if necessary."

Zhou Yu's lips tightened into a thin line as he placed the letter on the table. The decision he had anticipated was now confirmed. The Sun Clan's priorities lay elsewhere, and Lingling was no longer a battle worth fighting.

Gathering the generals once more, Zhou Yu shared the directive. "Lord Sun Jian and Lord Sun Ce have spoken. Our orders are to prioritize the survival of our forces. Lingling is to be abandoned if the cost of defending it becomes untenable."

The reactions were mixed. Cheng Pu frowned deeply. "Abandoning Lingling feels like surrender. How can we maintain the respect of our allies and enemies if we give up so easily?"

Zhou Yu met his gaze with unwavering resolve. "This is not surrender. This is strategy. We will leave Lingling, but not before ensuring that Liu Bei gains nothing from it. General Cheng Pu, you will oversee the evacuation of civilians and the relocation of our resources. General Han Dang, your raiding parties will continue to harass the enemy, buying us time."

Turning to Zhou Tai, Zhou Yu continued, "You will ensure the safe withdrawal of our troops and sabotage critical infrastructure as we leave. The city's defenses, its supply stores, everything of value must be rendered useless to the enemy."

The Sun Clan generals nodded, their initial reluctance tempered by Zhou Yu's firm leadership. The plan was risky, but it was their best chance to preserve the strength of the Sun Clan for future battles.

The hours following the meeting were a flurry of activity within Lingling's walls. Zhou Yu moved methodically through the city, ensuring that every step of the withdrawal plan unfolded as intended. He understood the delicate balance they needed to strike, leaving without drawing Kuai Yue's attention required precision, discipline, and speed. His generals had their orders, and now it was up to him to oversee the execution.

Cheng Pu had always been a figure of authority and strength, but today, he played the role of a diplomat and protector. He addressed the gathered civilians with a booming voice that carried both urgency and compassion. "The Sun Clan has decided to leave Lingling," he announced, his words causing a ripple of shock through the crowd. "We do not make this decision lightly, but it is in the best interest of our people. Those who wish to follow us will be under our protection and cared for. For those who choose to stay, we will respect your decision, but know this: the enemy will soon be at your doorstep."

The announcement split the crowd. One faction quickly moved to comply, gathering their belongings and preparing to follow the Sun Clan. These were mostly families who had relied on the Sun Clan's leadership for survival and safety. For them, leaving Lingling was a small price to pay for protection.

The other group, however, was filled with resistance. Traders, craftsmen, and prominent families who had built their livelihoods within Lingling's walls were unwilling to abandon everything they had worked for. Some argued passionately, pleading with Cheng Pu to reconsider. "This is our home," one elder spoke, his voice trembling with emotion. "We cannot leave the graves of our ancestors, our businesses, and our lives behind."

Cheng Pu listened patiently but remained firm. "We do not abandon you," he said. "You abandon us. If you choose to stay, you must understand the risks. The Sun Clan cannot protect you once we leave. Your loyalty to this land is admirable, but it is misplaced in the face of a greater threat. My duty is to those who trust in our leadership and follow us to safety."

In the end, the reluctant group was left to their fate. Cheng Pu assigned a small detachment to ensure that those leaving were safely escorted to the wagons. His men worked tirelessly, helping families load their belongings and providing guidance. The sight of wagons laden with supplies, children clutching their parents' hands, and elders being carried on stretchers painted a somber picture of a city in transition.

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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