646. Wannian & Sima Yi Time Together

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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.

On this particular afternoon, Wannian sat with Lady Sima in a sunlit room, the soft glow of the afternoon sun filtering through the paper windows. Lady Sima, her hair streaked with silver but her posture still regal, was recounting stories of the Sima Clan's past. Her voice was warm and melodic, carrying with it the weight of history and tradition.

"Long before the chaos of the Yellow Turban Rebellion and the rise of Dong Zhuo, our clan resided in Luoyang," Lady Sima began, her eyes distant as she recalled the memories of a bygone era. "The Sima Clan was known for its mercantile backgrounds and scholars, and our ancestors served the Han dynasty with unwavering loyalty. It was a time of stability and prosperity, though it seems so distant now."

Wannian listened intently, her hands folded neatly in her lap. She had always been fascinated by history, and hearing Lady Sima speak of the Sima Clan's legacy filled her with a sense of pride and responsibility. "It must have been a remarkable time," she said softly. "To live in an era of such cultural and intellectual times before the chaos."

Lady Sima nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Indeed, it was. But even in those times, there were challenges. The Sima Clan has always been one to adapt and endure, and that is a lesson we must carry forward. Our strength lies not only in our knowledge but in our ability to navigate the complexities of the world with wisdom and integrity."

As the conversation continued, Lady Sima shifted to more personal anecdotes, sharing stories of Sima Yi's childhood. "Even as a boy, Zhongda was always sharp minded and observant," she said, her tone fond. "He would spend hours reading scrolls and analyzing strategies, much to the amusement of his tutors. But he was also a mischievous child, always finding ways to outsmart his older brother and cousins."

Wannian couldn't help but smile at the image of a young Sima Yi, his sharp intellect already evident even in his playful antics. "It seems he hasn't changed much," she said, her voice tinged with affection. "He still has that same sharp mind and quiet determination."

Lady Sima chuckled softly. "Yes, he has always been one to think several steps ahead. But he is also a man of deep loyalty and principle. You are fortunate to have him as your husband, just as he is fortunate to have you as his wife."

Wannian's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, but she nodded in gratitude. "I will strive to be worthy of him and of the Sima Clan's legacy. I know there is much for me to learn, and I am grateful for your guidance, Mother."

Lady Sima's expression softened, and she reached out to gently pat Wannian's hand. "You are already a remarkable young woman, Wannian. Your dedication and humility are qualities that will serve you well as the future matriarch of this clan. But remember, it is not just about upholding traditions, it is also about nurturing the hearts and minds of those around you. A true leader inspires and empowers others."

Wannian absorbed her mother in law's words, feeling a deep sense of respect and admiration for the woman before her. Lady Sima's wisdom and grace were qualities she aspired to embody, and she was determined to learn everything she could from her.

As the afternoon wore on, Lady Sima began to impart more practical teachings to Wannian, sharing insights on managing the household, overseeing the clan's affairs, and maintaining harmony within the family.

She spoke of the importance of balance, between tradition and innovation, between strength and compassion, and between duty and personal fulfillment.

"A lady of the household must be both firm and gentle," Lady Sima explained. "She must be able to make difficult decisions when necessary, but she must also be a source of comfort and support for her family. It is a delicate balance, but one that can be achieved with patience and perseverance."

Wannian listened carefully, her mind absorbing every word. She had always admired the older women of the Lie Clan, especially the wives of her older brother, her sister in law's who had guided and supported her in the past. Now, she saw Lady Sima as another role model, a woman who embodied the qualities of a true matriarch.

Despite the formal nature of their discussions, there was an underlying warmth and affection between Wannian and Lady Sima. The older woman had taken a genuine liking to her daughter in law, seeing in her a kindred spirit and a worthy successor. She treated Wannian not just as a daughter in law, but as her real daughter as well, offering gentle guidance and encouragement.

On one occasion, when Wannian made a minor mistake in managing the household accounts, Lady Sima gently corrected her without a hint of reproach. "Mistakes are a part of learning," she said kindly. "What matters is that you recognize them and strive to improve. Do not be too hard on yourself, Wannian. You are doing well."

Wannian felt a surge of gratitude for her mother in law's understanding and support. She knew that she had much to learn, but she was determined to become the perfect lady of the household and a devoted wife to Sima Yi. She wanted to honor the trust that had been placed in her and to contribute to the Sima Clan's legacy in her own way.

So as the days passed by after her wedding with Sima Yi, Wannian continued to grow into her new role. She took her responsibilities seriously, overseeing the household with diligence and care.

She also made an effort to connect with the members of the Sima Clan, the rest of Sima Yi's younger brothers to build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Sima Yi, though often preoccupied with his duties as one of Lie Fan's chief advisors, noticed the changes in Wannian. He admired her dedication and the grace with which she handled her responsibilities.

Their relationship, which started as a childhood love he had for her, now has become a pair of husband and wife based on one of mutual respect and affection. Sima Yi appreciated Wannian's quiet strength and her ability to bring a sense of calm to their home.

One evening, as they sat together in their private quarters, Sima Yi turned to Wannian with a rare smile. "You have adapted well to life here Wife," he said, his tone warm. "I know it cannot have been easy, leaving the Lie Clan and taking on so many new responsibilities. But you have handled it with grace and determination."

Wannian smiled softly, her heart swelling with pride at his words. "Thank you, Husband. I am still learning, but I am grateful for the support of your mother and the rest of the clan. I want to be someone you can rely on, not just as your wife but as a partner in upholding the Sima Clan's legacy."

Sima Yi nodded, his expression thoughtful. "You already are, Wife. Your presence has brought a sense of harmony to this household, and I am grateful to have married you and have you by my side."

Wannian's cheeks flushed with a deep, rosy hue as she flashed a happy smile at Sima Yi's words. The warmth in his voice and the sincerity of his praise filled her heart with a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Without hesitation, she leaned her head gently against his shoulder, her hands wrapping around his left arm in a gesture of affection and gratitude. "Thank you, Husband," she murmured softly, her voice carrying a tone of genuine appreciation. "Your words mean more to me than I can express. I only hope to continue making you proud."

Sima Yi, though usually reserved and composed, allowed himself a rare moment of vulnerability in her presence. He placed his free hand over hers, his touch gentle yet reassuring. "You already do since the day I met you," he said, his voice steady but filled with warmth. "Your dedication and grace have brought a sense of harmony to this household that I could not have achieved on my own. I am fortunate to have you as my wife."

For a while, the two of them sat in comfortable silence, enjoying the quiet intimacy of the moment. The flickering light of the lantern cast a soft glow over the room, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.

It was a rare respite from the weight of their responsibilities especially Sima Yi, a moment where they could simply be husband and wife, free from the demands of the outside world.

However, as the evening deepened, Sima Yi's thoughts inevitably turned to the matters of state that occupied much of his time. He knew that Wannian, despite her gentle demeanor, was deeply perceptive and had a keen understanding of the political landscape, something that only he himself knew as she never shared it with her brother and sister in laws.

She was, after all, the sister of Lie Fan, one of if not the most powerful warlords in the land. With this in mind, he decided to share with her the latest developments that had been discussed within Lie Fan's inner circle advisors council.

"Wife," Sima Yi began, his tone shifting slightly to one of seriousness, "there is something I need to tell you. Your brother, Lord Lie Fan, has laid the groundwork for declaring himself Emperor of the land. With the Sun Clan's pledge of allegiance and the recently successful campaign to the north against Yuan Shao and acquire all of his land, Lord Lie Fan now effectively controls half of the realm."

Wannian's eyes widened in surprise, and she lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him directly. "Declaring himself Emperor?" she repeated, her voice tinged with concern. "But… isn't that a hasty decision? Half of the land is still under the control of others. What if this move provokes a backlash from the remaining warlords? I fear that my brother might be risking everything he has worked so hard to build."

Sima Yi shook his head gently, his expression calm and composed. "Your concern is understandable, Wife, but you need not worry. Lord Lie Fan is not one to act impulsively. In all the time I have served him, I have never seen him make a hasty decision. He is a man who weighs every option carefully and listens to the counsel of his advisors. This move, while bold, has been discussed at length within the inner council, and we have all reached an agreement that this is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for his ascension."

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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