642. Ma Chao's Learning & Attempt

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Zhuge Liang bowed slightly. "As you command, my lord. I will ensure that our forces are ready and that our strategies are refined. The future of the land depends on our success." As Zhuge Liang left the study, Lie Fan's gaze returned to the letter on the table. The game was far from over, but he was confident in his ability to navigate its complexities.

Meanwhile, in Xiapi, Ma Chao and his entourage, Hu Bao, Lan Fu, and the rest of his trusted followers, were busy packing their belongings in the residence that had been designated for them during their stay.

The past week had been a whirlwind of observation, learning, and reflection for Ma Chao. After securing a secret alliance with Lie Fan, he had decided to extend his stay in Xiapi, not just to solidify the newfound partnership but also to gain insights that could help the Ma Clan prepare for their impending uprising against Cao Cao.

The city of Xiapi, with its thriving economy, disciplined administration, and innovative agricultural practices, had left a profound impression on him. It was a stark contrast to the struggles and inefficiencies he had witnessed in Wuwei, and he was determined to bring back as much knowledge as possible to strengthen his clan's position.

As Ma Chao folded his travel-worn cloak and placed it into a chest, his mind wandered back to the lessons he had learned during his time in Xiapi. The most striking revelation had been the importance of the people's happiness and loyalty. In Xiapi, the citizens were not just subjects, they were active participants in the city's prosperity.

They took pride in their work, whether as farmers, merchants, or soldiers, and their loyalty to Lie Fan was unwavering. This loyalty, Ma Chao realized, was not born out of fear or coercion but out of genuine respect and gratitude.

Lie Fan had created a system where the people felt valued and heard, and in return, they supported his decisions wholeheartedly. It was a lesson Ma Chao knew he needed to apply in Wuwei if he hoped to rally his people against Cao Cao.

Hu Bao, who was packing a set of scrolls nearby, noticed Ma Chao's thoughtful expression. "My lord," he said, breaking the silence, "you seem deep in thought. Is something troubling you?"

Ma Chao shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "No, Hu Bao. On the contrary, I am reflecting on what we have learned here. Xiapi is unlike any city I have ever seen. The people are content, the administration is efficient, and the land is fertile. There is much we can learn from Lie Fan's methods."

Lan Fu, who was organizing a stack of maps, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, my lord. The bureaucratic system here is remarkable. In Wuwei, it takes around 5 days to a week to process even the simplest administrative tasks due to corruption and inefficiency. But here, it is done in a matter of days, if not hours. The officials are diligent, and there is no trace of bribery or nepotism. It is a system built on merit and transparency."

Ma Chao's expression grew serious as he considered Lan Fu's words. "That is something we must replicate in Wuwei. If we are to stand against Cao Cao, we cannot afford to be bogged down by corruption and inefficiency. We need a government that works for the people, not against them."

Hu Bao, ever the pragmatist, added, "But achieving that will not be easy. The officials in Wuwei and other towns are entrenched in their ways. They will resist any attempt to change the system."

Ma Chao's eyes hardened with determination. "Then we will root them out. We cannot allow a few corrupt individuals to jeopardize the future of the Ma Clan. If necessary, we will replace them with officials who share our vision."

Lan Fu, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "My lord, there is another aspect of Xiapi that we should consider, the agricultural system. The farmers here are producing yields that are far beyond what we see in Wuwei. I spoke to some of them, and they mentioned something called the 'four field rotation system.' It seems to be the key to their success."

Ma Chao's interest was immediately piqued. "The four field rotation system? What is it?"

Lan Fu hesitated, his expression apologetic. "Unfortunately, the farmers were reluctant to elaborate. They mentioned the name but refused to provide further details. It seems to be a closely guarded secret."

Ma Chao frowned, his mind racing. Agriculture was the backbone of any region's economy, and an innovative system like this could significantly boost the Ma Clan's resources. "We must find out more about this system," he said firmly. "If it can increase our crop yields and keep the soil fertile, it could be a game changer for Wuwei and the rest of our towns, which wok boost our chances even further against Cao Cao."

Hu Bao, with his resourceful mind working, suggested, "Perhaps we can approach Lie Fan directly. If we explain our intentions and the benefits it would bring to our people, he may be willing to share the knowledge."

Ma Chao considered this for a moment before nodding. "It is worth a try. Lie Fan has shown himself to be a man of vision and generosity. If we approach him with sincerity, he may be willing to help us."

As the group continued packing, Ma Chao's thoughts turned to the future. The lessons he had learned in Xiapi had given him a clearer picture of what needed to be done in Wuwei. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to overcome them. The Ma Clan's survival and their chance to break free from Cao Cao's grip depended on it.

Later that day, Ma Chao requested an audience with Lie Fan. Lie Fan hearing this, acting gracious, granted the request without hesitation.

The two men met in the grand hall of Xiapi's Governor Castle, the same room where their alliance had been forged just a week earlier. Lie Fan sat upon his ornate chair, his expression calm but attentive, while Ma Chao stood before him, his demeanor respectful but resolute.

"Lord Lie Fan," Ma Chao began, bowing slightly, "I wish to thank you for your hospitality during our stay in Xiapi. Your city has been a source of great inspiration for me, and I have learned much during my time here."

Lie Fan inclined his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It is my pleasure, Young Lord Ma Chao. I am glad that you have found your stay enlightening. What is it that you wish to discuss?"

Ma Chao took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "During my time here, I have observed many things that could greatly benefit the Ma Clan and the people of Wuwei. One of the most remarkable is your agricultural system, the four field rotation system. I understand that it is a closely guarded secret, but I humbly request that you share this knowledge with us. It could make a significant difference in our ability to sustain our people and prepare for the challenges ahead."

Lie Fan's expression remained unreadable as he considered Ma Chao's request. The four field rotation system was indeed a key component of the success of his domain agricultural success since he introduced it, and sharing it with an outsider was not a decision to be made lightly.

However, Lie Fan also recognized the strategic value of strengthening the Ma Clan's position. A stronger Ma Clan would be a more effective thorn in Cao Cao's side, and that aligned with his own goals. So he thinks that he should just introduce the lesser version of it.

After a moment of silence, Lie Fan spoke. "The four-field rotation system is indeed a valuable innovation, one that has greatly contributed to Xiapi's and my domain's prosperity. Sharing it with you is not a decision I make lightly, but I see the merit in your request. I need some time to consult this with my advisors first."

Ma Chao, though disappointed by Lie Fan's cautious response, understood the gravity of the situation. The four field rotation system was a closely guarded secret, one that had propelled Xiapi and Lie Fan's domain to unparalleled agricultural prosperity.

The fact that Lie Fan was even considering sharing it, even in a limited capacity, was a testament to his generosity and the trust he was beginning to place in Ma Chao. For now, Ma Chao knew he had to be patient and grateful for the opportunity.

"Thank you, Lord Lie Fan," Ma Chao said, bowing slightly. "I understand the weight of this decision and appreciate your willingness to consider it. I hope to receive good news soon, as I plan to return to Wuwei in the coming days. The Ma Clan has much to prepare for, and your guidance in this matter would be invaluable."

Lie Fan nodded, his expression calm but thoughtful. "You have my word that I will discuss this matter with my advisors and give it the consideration it deserves. Safe travels, Young Lord Ma Chao. May your journey back to Wuwei be swift and uneventful."

With that, the meeting concluded, and Ma Chao took his leave, his mind still buzzing with thoughts of the future. As he exited the grand hall, he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of determination.

The lessons he had learned in Xiapi, the alliances he had forged, and the potential knowledge he might gain from Lie Fan's agricultural system all pointed to a brighter future for the Ma Clan. But he also knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, and he would need to tread carefully.

Meanwhile, as Ma Chao and his entourage prepared for their departure, Lie Fan summoned his most trusted advisors to the grand hall. The request for the four field rotation system was not a matter to be taken lightly, and he needed the counsel of his brightest minds to navigate this delicate situation.

Soon, the hall was filled with the presence of Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang, Pang Tong, and Xu Shu. Each of them was a master strategist, administrator, or scholar in their own right.

Lie Fan sat at the head of the table, his expression serious but composed. He addressed his advisors by their courtesy names, a sign of respect and familiarity. "Kongming, Zhongda, Gongda, Ziyu, Wenhe, Zijing, Yuanzhi, Shiyuan, and Shi Yuan."

He began, his voice calm but commanding, "I have called you here to discuss a matter of great importance. Ma Chao, the young lord of the Ma Clan, has requested that we share the knowledge of the four-field rotation system with him. He believes it will greatly benefit his people and strengthen their position against Cao Cao."

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 33 (200 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