643. Two Different Side Of Subtlety

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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."

The room fell silent as the advisors absorbed this information. Lie Fan continued, "I see merit in his request. A stronger Ma Clan would be a more effective thorn in Cao Cao's side, and their success could weaken his grip on the western territories. However, the four field rotation system is a closely guarded secret, one that has been instrumental in our own prosperity. Sharing it, even in a limited capacity, carries risks. I seek your counsel on how to proceed."

Zhuge Liang, even though still new was the first to speak, folded his fan and tapped it lightly against his palm. "My lord, the four field rotation system is indeed a cornerstone of our agricultural success. Sharing it with Ma Chao could provide him with a significant advantage, but it could also dilute the uniqueness of our system. If the knowledge were to spread beyond the Ma Clan, it could undermine our own position."

Sima Yi, his sharp eyes gleaming with calculation, nodded in agreement. "Kongming speaks wisely. However, we must also consider the strategic benefits of strengthening the Ma Clan. If they can sustain their people and bolster their resources, they will be a more formidable force against Cao Cao. This could buy us valuable time to consolidate our own position."

Chen Qun, known for his meticulous attention to detail, added, "Perhaps we could share a modified version of the system, one that provides some benefits but does not reveal the full extent of our methods. This would allow Ma Chao to improve his agricultural output without compromising our own advantages."

Pang Tong, on the other hand, leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Or we could use this as an opportunity to deepen our alliance with the Ma Clan. By sharing the system, we demonstrate our trust and generosity, which could bind them more closely to us. In the long term, this could prove more valuable than keeping the system to ourselves."

Xu Shu, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "There is also the matter of timing. If we share the system now, it may take time for the Ma Clan to implement it effectively. By the time they see significant results, we may already have achieved our own objectives. The risk of the knowledge spreading too widely could be mitigated if we act swiftly and decisively."

Lu Su, with his diplomat mindset, offered a more cautious perspective. "We must also consider the potential backlash from other factions. If word gets out that we are sharing our agricultural secrets with the Ma Clan, it could provoke suspicion or even hostility from other warlords. We must tread carefully to avoid unintended consequences."

Lie Fan listened intently, his fingers steepled in front of him as he considered the advisors' perspectives. Each of them had raised valid points, and the decision was far from straightforward.

After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Your counsel is invaluable, as always. It seems that the best course of action is to share a modified version of the four-field rotation system with Ma Chao, one that provides tangible benefits but does not reveal the full extent of our methods. This will allow him to strengthen his position without compromising our own advantages."

He turned to Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi. "Kongming, Zhongda, I task you with developing this modified version. Ensure that it is effective enough to make a difference but does not reveal the core principles of our system."

Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi bowed slightly. "It will be done, my lord," they said in unison.

Lie Fan then addressed the rest of the advisors. "As for the rest of you, continue to monitor the situation in Yi Province and the movements of Cao Cao's forces. We must remain vigilant and prepared for any eventuality."

The advisors nodded, their expressions resolute. They understood the gravity of the situation and the importance of their roles in shaping the future of the land.

As the meeting concluded, Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing with the possibilities. The decision to share a modified version of the four field rotation system with Ma Chao was a calculated risk, but one that he believed would pay off in the long run.

By strengthening the Ma Clan, he was not only weakening Cao Cao but also laying the more groundwork for a future where the Ma Clan would become his subordinate, which could prove invaluable.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the city of Xiapi was bathed in the warm glow of twilight, Ma Chao and his entourage prepared to depart.

Lie Fan, acting according to his plan, had arranged for a modified version of the four field rotation system to be shared with Ma Chao, who would never know that it was a modified version.

The scrolls containing the information were carefully sealed and handed over to Ma Chao, along with a letter from Lie Fan explaining the system's principles and implementation.

Ma Chao accepted the scrolls with a deep bow, his gratitude evident in his eyes. "Thank you, Lord Lie Fan. Your generosity will not be forgotten. The Ma Clan will strive to honor this alliance and prove ourselves worthy of your trust."

Lie Fan smiled, his expression warm but measured. "I have no doubt that you will, Young Lord Ma Chao. May your journey be safe, and may our partnership bring prosperity to both our lands."

With that, Ma Chao and his entourage mounted their horses and set off on the road back to Wuwei. As they rode through the gates of Xiapi, Ma Chao couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and determination.

The lessons he had learned, the alliances he had forged, and the knowledge he now carried with him all pointed to a brighter future for the Ma Clan.

But as the city of Xiapi faded into the distance, Ma Chao also knew that the challenges ahead would be immense. The fight against Cao Cao was far from over, and the road to independence would be long and arduous.

Yet, he believed that with the support of Lie Fan and the strength of his people, Ma Chao and the Ma Clan were ready to face Cao Cao since they would have an abundance of supplies.

Meanwhile, back in Chengdu, the political machinations continued to unfold as Liu Zhang, accompanied by his trusted advisors Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da, prepared to meet once again with Cao Cao's envoy.

The meeting was a carefully orchestrated ruse, one that the trio had suggested to Liu Zhang as a means of buying time and gathering resources while masking their true intentions.

Liu Zhang, though hesitant at first, had agreed to the plan, believing it to be a prudent strategy to protect Yi Province from Cao Cao's encroaching influence, not realizing that his three advisors were trying to protect Yi Province for Lie Fan.

The grand hall of Chengdu's Governor Castle was once again the setting for this delicate dance of diplomacy. Liu Zhang sat upon his ornate chair, his expression a mixture of nervousness and forced confidence.

Beside him stood Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da, their faces calm but their minds racing as they prepared to navigate the treacherous waters of deception. Cao Cao's envoy, a shrewd and observant man, entered the hall with his entourage, his sharp eyes scanning the room for any signs of duplicity.

"Lord Liu Zhang," the envoy began, bowing slightly as a sign of respect, "I am pleased to see that you have considered my lord's offer. I trust that our discussions will be fruitful."

Liu Zhang nodded, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of eagerness. "Indeed, I have given your proposal much thought. Cao Cao's offer of support is generous, and I believe that an alliance between our forces would be mutually beneficial. However, I must also consider the needs of my people. If we are to stand together against the threats that loom on the horizon, we will require additional resources, particularly weapons and supplies to strengthen our defenses."

Liu Zhang's lack of subtlety and his eagerness to extract as many resources as possible from the envoy had begun to raise suspicions, a fact that did not go unnoticed by Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da.

True to their thoughts, the envoy's expression remained neutral, but his eyes narrowed slightly as he processed Liu Zhang's words. The request for additional resources was not unexpected, but the tone and demeanor Liu Zhang used hinted at something more.

Fa Zheng, standing to Liu Zhang's right, exchanged a subtle glance with Zhang Song and Meng Da. They could sense the envoy's growing suspicion, and they knew that Liu Zhang's lack of subtlety was jeopardizing their carefully laid plans.

Fa Zheng stepped forward, his voice calm and measured. "My lord speaks with the best interests of Yi Province in mind. The challenges we face are great, and we must ensure that our people are well-prepared to meet them. Your lord's support would go a long way in achieving that goal."

The envoy nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I understand your concerns, Lord Liu Zhang. My lord is committed to the success of this alliance and will do what he can to provide the necessary resources. However, I must also emphasize the importance of trust and transparency in any partnership. My lord values loyalty above all else, and he expects the same from his allies."

Liu Zhang's face flushed slightly at the envoy's pointed remark, but he quickly composed himself. "Of course, trust is paramount. You have my word that Yi Province will honor this alliance and stand by Cao Cao's side in the face of any threat."

The meeting continued, with Liu Zhang and the envoy discussing the specifics of the alliance and the resources that would be provided.

However, the underlying tension was palpable, and Fa Zheng, Zhang Song, and Meng Da could see that the envoy was growing increasingly wary.

When the meeting finally concluded, the envoy and his entourage took their leave, their expressions unreadable but their minds undoubtedly racing. Once the envoy and his entourage had left the grand hall, Liu Zhang turned to his advisors, his expression a mixture of relief and anxiety. "Do you think he believed us?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

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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