645. Kuai Brother Suspicions Resurface

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Liu Bei listened intently as his advisors presented their plans, his mind weighing the pros and cons of each proposal. His thirst for expansion and his desire to increase his influence and power were undeniable, but he was also acutely aware of the need to maintain his image as a benevolent and virtuous leader. The people's perception of him was crucial, and he could not afford to tarnish his reputation with reckless actions.

After a long moment of silence, Liu Bei spoke. "Thank you, masters. All of your counsel is invaluable, and I appreciate the thought and care you have put into your proposals. While internal development and defense are important, I believe we must also take bold steps to secure our future. Master Kuai Liang's proposal to focus on Shi Xie is particularly compelling. By bringing his domain into our fold, we can significantly expand our power and resources, giving us the strength we need to face our rivals."

He paused, choosing his words carefully to align with his carefully crafted image. "However, we must approach this endeavor with caution and wisdom. Just like what Master Kuai Liang had proposed, we had to appease him first from our past transgressions, and also treat Shi Xie as a respected leader, since his people are loyal to him.

"We must strive to win them over through diplomacy and benevolence, showing them that our cause is just and that their future will be brighter under our guidance. If diplomacy fails, we will have no choice but to use force, but even then, we must ensure that our actions are seen as necessary and justified."

Kuai Liang nodded, his expression thoughtful. "My lord, your wisdom and compassion are truly inspiring. I will begin preparations for a diplomatic mission to Shi Xie's domain, laying the groundwork for the appeasement and a peaceful resolution. However, we must also prepare for the possibility that force may be required. I will coordinate with our generals to ensure that our forces are ready to act if needed."

Ju Shou, though disappointed that his proposal had not been chosen, respected Liu Bei's decision. "My lord, I will ensure that our forces are prepared for any eventuality. If diplomacy fails, we will be ready to strike swiftly and decisively."

Wang Xiu and Kuai Yue exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of concern and resolve. While they had advocated for a more cautious approach, they understood the importance of supporting their lord's decision. "We will continue to focus on internal development and defense," Wang Xiu said. "A strong foundation will be crucial, no matter which path we take."

Kuai Yue added, "And we will ensure that the people's needs are met, strengthening their loyalty and support for your cause, my lord."

Liu Bei nodded, his expression resolute. "Thank you, all of you. Your dedication and wisdom are the pillars of our strength. Together, we will navigate these challenges and secure a brighter future for our people."

As the meeting concluded, Liu Bei leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing with the possibilities. The decision to focus on Shi Xie was a calculated risk, but one that he believed would pay off in the long run. By expanding his domain and increasing his influence, he could position himself as a formidable contender in the race to unify the land.

However, Liu Bei was also acutely aware of the delicate balance he needed to maintain. His image as a benevolent and virtuous leader was his greatest asset, and he could not afford to compromise it. Every action he took, every decision he made, had to align with the narrative he had carefully constructed. The people's perception of him was crucial, and he would do whatever it took to preserve it.

As his advisors left the grand hall to begin their preparations, Liu Bei remained seated, his thoughts turning to the future. The road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was determined to overcome them. The dream of a unified land, free from the chaos and suffering of war, and under his rule was within his grasp. And he would stop at nothing to achieve it.

The game of power and ambition was far from over, and Liu Bei was ready to play his part. With his advisors by his side and his vision guiding him, he believed that he could shape the future of the land, and fulfill his destiny by becoming the new Emperor of the Han.

Meanwhile, in the quiet confines of the Kuai Clan residence, the brothers Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue found themselves in a rare moment of solitude. The grand halls and bustling courtyards of Xiangyang were far removed from the intimate setting of their private study, where the flickering light of a single lantern cast long shadows across the room.

The two brothers sat across from each other, their expressions heavy with unspoken thoughts. The weight of their suspicions, long buried beneath layers of loyalty and duty, had resurfaced, and now they could no longer ignore the gnawing doubts that had taken root in their minds.

Kuai Liang, the elder of the two, broke the silence first. His voice was low, almost a whisper, as if he feared the walls themselves might betray their conversation. "Brother, we cannot continue to ignore what we have seen. Liu Bei's actions, his reactions… they do not align with the image of the benevolent and virtuous leader he presents to the world. There is something beneath the surface, something we have overlooked for too long."

Kuai Yue, though younger, was no less perceptive. He nodded slowly, his eyes narrowing as he recalled the events of the past few years. "I have felt it too, Brother. When we helped him take Xiangyang, I dismissed my doubts as overthinking. But now, after Lingling… I cannot shake the feeling that we have been blind to the truth. The way his eyes gleamed with ambition, the subtle shifts in his demeanor, those are not the traits of a man who seeks only to end the people's suffering."

Kuai Liang leaned forward, his hands clasped tightly together. "Do you remember Liu Biao? He was not perfect, but he was a man of principle. He governed Jing Province with a steady hand, and his people respected him. When we abandoned him to support Liu Bei, we told ourselves it was for the greater good. But now… I wonder if we made the wrong choice."

The mention of Liu Biao hung heavily in the air. The late governor of Jing Province had been a stabilizing force in a land torn by chaos, and his passing had left a void that Liu Bei had been all too eager to fill.

The Kuai brothers had played a pivotal role in that transition, using their influence to sway the people and the officials of Jing Province to Liu Bei's side. At the time, they had believed they were acting in the best interests of the land. But now, as they reflected on Liu Bei's growing ambition and the cracks in his carefully crafted facade, they could not help but question their decision.

Kuai Yue sighed, his shoulders slumping under the weight of his thoughts. "Liu Biao was not without his flaws, but he was honest in his intentions. He sought to protect Jing Province and its people, not to expand his own power. With Liu Bei… I fear we have traded stability for ambition. And if our suspicions are true, then we have played a part in bringing a tiger disguised in sheep's clothing into the fold."

Kuai Liang's expression darkened as he considered his brother's words. "If Liu Bei's true nature is revealed, it will not only tarnish his reputation but ours as well. We supported him, advocated for him, and helped him rise to power here in Jing Province. If he proves to be the opposite of what we believed, the people will not forgive us for our role in his ascension."

The room fell silent as the brothers grappled with the implications of their doubts. They had dedicated their lives to serving the greater good, to guiding their lord with wisdom and integrity. But now, they found themselves questioning not only Liu Bei's character but also their own judgment.

After a long pause, Kuai Liang spoke again, his voice tinged with resolve. "We cannot undo the past, but we can shape the future. If Liu Bei is not the man we believe him to be, then it is our duty to act. We must ensure that Jing Province and its people are not led astray by his ambitions."

Kuai Yue nodded, his expression hardening. "Agreed. But we must proceed with caution, brother. Liu Bei is a master of manipulation, and he has surrounded himself with loyal fanatical followers. If we act too hastily, we risk exposing ourselves and jeopardizing everything we have worked for the Kuai Clan's survival and legacy."

The brothers spent the next several hours discussing their options, their voices low and their words measured. They knew that confronting Liu Bei directly would be futile, he was too skilled at maintaining his image and deflecting criticism. Instead, they resolved to gather more evidence, to observe his actions closely, and determine whether their suspicions were justified.

As the night wore on, the Kuai brothers made a silent pact. They would continue to serve Liu Bei, to offer their counsel and support as they always had. But beneath the surface, they would watch and wait, ready to act if their worst fears were confirmed. The fate of Jing Province and their own legacy depended on it.

Back in Xiapi, within the serene and elegant confines of the Sima Clan residence, Wannian found herself in the company of Lady Sima, her mother in law and the matriarch of the Sima Clan.

Since her marriage to Sima Yi, Wannian had transitioned from the bustling Lie Clan residence to the more subdued yet dignified atmosphere of the Sima household.

As the future matriarch of the Sima Clan, Wannian was acutely aware of the responsibilities that came with her new role.

Sima Yi's older brother, Sima Lang, had chosen to focus on his duties as the governor of Guangling, leaving the mantle of the clan's leadership to Sima Yi. This decision had placed Wannian in a position of great importance, and she was determined to live up to the expectations that came with it.

The Sima Clan residence was a place of quiet refinement, its halls adorned with scrolls of classical literature and its courtyards filled with the gentle rustling of bamboo.

It was a stark contrast to the lively and dynamic environment of the Lie Clan, but Wannian had quickly adapted to her new surroundings. She found solace in the calm and order of the Sima household, and she was eager to learn from Lady Sima, a woman of great wisdom and grace.

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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