700. Liu Bei's Headache

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"Implement these two immediately when it has passed the final testing," he commanded. "Let no resource go to waste. Our enemies grow stronger by the day, and we must ensure that our might surpass theirs." The two scholars bowed, eager to see their work bear fruit.

As the days passed, Lie Fan have also devoted himself not only to the affairs of the state but also to the affairs of his household by implementing the education plan he had made for his children.

His vision for the future was not solely built on military conquest and political maneuvering but also on ensuring that his lineage remained strong, capable, and worthy of the legacy he was building which would ensure his dynasty lasted as long as it could, and also adapt to the changing times.

He also delegated a small time to his eldest son, Chenchen, by personally training him in martial arts. While the boy was still young, Lie Fan understood the importance of instilling discipline and combat prowess early on.

A ruler should be both a wise statesman, an inspiring leader, and a formidable warrior. With this belief in mind, he began to personally train his son, guiding him through the basics of sword arts, polearms , archery, riding, and hand to hand combat.

Chenchen was diligent, showing a natural affinity for the martial path, though his small frame and lack of experience often left him exhausted. Despite this, Lie Fan saw potential in him.

He encouraged his son to persist, teaching him not only techniques but also the mindset of a warrior. "Strength is not just in the arms, Chenchen, but in the heart and mind. A true leader must be unyielding in both battle and governance."

Meanwhile, Lu Lingqi's pregnancy had advanced significantly over the past two months. Lie Fan had always made it a priority to spend more time with his wives during their pregnancies, ensuring that they were comfortable and well cared for.

Lu Lingqi, having her pride as a warrior, initially resisted the idea of taking it easy, but even she had to acknowledge the toll pregnancy was taking on her body.

Lie Fan made sure to be there for her, just as he had been for his other wives, reassuring her that while she might not wield a weapon in battle for the time being, she was still contributing to their growing family's strength.

But amidst these personal matters, the biggest event in the past two months was the arrival of Zhen Ji in Xiapi. Her father, Zhen Yi, had personally escorted her to the Lie Clan residence, intending to formally introduce his daughter to Lie Fan.

However, Lie Fan, knowing the weight of this meeting, deliberately chose not to meet them in person. Instead, he had his four wives, Ying Yue, Diao Chan, Cai Wenji, and Lu Lingqi receive Zhen Ji and her father.

It was a test, not just for Zhen Ji, but also for his wives, allowing them to evaluate the woman who might potentially join their household through political marriage that their husband still considers.

Zhen Yi had expected a grand reception, perhaps even an audience with Lie Fan himself, but instead, he was met by four women whose beauty and grace rivaled even the most renowned courtesans of the land and his daughter.

He had heard the rumors about them, but seeing them in person was another matter entirely. Each of them carried an air of elegance and strength, their presence enough to command respect even in the absence of their husband.

Ying Yue, as the main wife and madam of the household, led the discussion, her words laced with subtle implications as she probed Zhen Ji's thoughts and intentions.

Diao Chan, with her knowledge of court intrigue and ethics, assesses her knowledge and also gauges her true intent. Lu Lingqi, though pregnant currently, still exuded the aura of a warrior, silently judging Zhen Ji's bearing.

Cai Wenji, the most gentle among them, engaged in polite conversation, seeking to understand Zhen Ji's personality and character. Also testing her interest in philosophy and arts.

Zhen Ji, to her credit, handled the meeting with grace. She was intelligent, well mannered, and confident in her responses, but even she could not hide the underlying tension.

She had come expecting to meet Lie Fan, but instead, she found herself scrutinized by four powerful women, each holding sway over the man she sought to marry.

Zhen Yi, meanwhile, grew increasingly uneasy. While his daughter held her own, it was clear that she was being carefully assessed, not just as a potential wife but as a potential ally or rival within Lie Fan's household.

When the meeting concluded, Zhen Yi and Zhen Ji returned back to the Serenity Inn, where Zhen Ji then was escorted to her quarters to rest, while Zhen Yi was left with lingering doubts.

After the visit, the four wives convened privately to discuss their impressions.

"She is refined, intelligent, and carries herself well," Ying Yue noted. "But I sense ambition in her. Whether that is a strength or a weakness remains to be seen."

"She's not weak," Diao Chan admitted. "But I wonder if she has the strength to adapt to our ways. This is not an ordinary household she would be joining."

"She is used to the admiration and privilege given to her by Yuan Xi before no matter how she tries to hide it," Lu Lingqi observed. "She may struggle with the dynamics here, where power is shared, not simply given."

Cai Wenji offered a softer perspective. "Perhaps she simply needs time. If she truly wishes to be part of this family, she will learn. U could see that she had a kind heart inside, maybe her duty to her family had caused her to become like that."

Their deliberations would ultimately influence Lie Fan's decision. Though he had not met Zhen Ji directly, he trusted his wives' judgment. He was in no hurry, personal alliances were important, but so was stability within his household. He would wait, observe, and decide when the time was right.

His intelligence network also remained active, monitoring Liu Bei's growing influence in Xiangyang. Reports from Cang Xiu indicated that Liu Bei was fully convinced of his loyalty, a development that would prove invaluable when the time came to act. Slowly but surely, Lie Fan's plans were taking shape.

At this time, Lie Fan sat in his study, the candlelight flickering against the parchment spread before him. The latest intelligence report from his Oriole Agents lay open on the desk, detailing the Xianbei's increasing desperation in their conflict against the Xiongnu.

They were willing to trade land, resources, and even some of their own ornaments and jewels in exchange for wood, building materials, and additional armaments. This shift signaled that their war was escalating, and Lie Fan saw an opportunity within this chaos.

For two months, he had carefully laid the groundwork to move against Liu Bei, but with this newfound development, he could now begin making real preparations.

His decision to spread rumors about Liu Bei's true nature had already started to take effect, and while he had not yet disclosed his plans to his inner council, he was certain Jia Xu had already pieced things together from the reports of the Oriole agents that go to him.

Jia Xu was too intelligent to overlook the reports and too meticulous not to prepare countermeasures in advance, that's how he was always making plan after plan. That's why he was known as the poisonous strategist, not only due to his willingness to do everything necessary to achieve his goals, but also to create backup after backup plans.

Meanwhile, in Xiangyang, Liu Bei was dealing with the consequences of the rumors. The so called Benevolent Lord Liu Bei had been spending sleepless nights in his private quarters, massaging his temples as a splitting headache wracked his mind.

The accusations that had begun to surface were more damaging than he had anticipated. They whispered that he was nothing more than a cunning opportunist, that his famed virtue was a facade, and that he used his status as an Imperial Scion and Imperial Uncle to manipulate those around him.

At first, he had dismissed these rumors as mere slander, but they had persisted, growing louder with each passing day. His sworn brothers, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, were outraged at the accusations.

They vowed to find the culprits responsible and punish them severely. Sun Guan, Chen Dao, Liao Hua, and Ju Shou also expressed their indignation, rallying to defend Liu Bei's name. But among his more calculated advisors, Kuai Yue, Kuai Liang, and even Cang Xiu remained silent. Their expressions were solemn, their promises to investigate lacking the fervor of the others.

Liu Bei knew what that meant. It meant that at least some portion of the rumors was believable enough that even his own strategists were beginning to question the truth. That, more than anything, unsettled him.

At this time a gentle hand helped him massage his temple surprising him, and when he turned to look at who it was, it was his wife Lady Gan who messages his temple, with a concerned face and asked him if he still thought about the rumors that was spreading about him.

Seeing her, Liu Bei immediately turned on his full acting skill and facade, to interact with her and because she was the closest lesson to interact with him, he had to be careful, because this was the life he had chosen for himself to achieve his ambition.

Liu Bei let out a weary sigh as Lady Gan's fingers gently massaged his temples, her touch offering a brief respite from the storm raging in his mind. He had not expected her presence, yet he did not pull away. Instead, he forced a tired smile, his carefully crafted facade slipping into place.

"Worry not, my dear," he said softly, his voice laced with perfectly crafted gentle reassurance. "Mere words cannot shake the foundation I have built."

Lady Gan frowned slightly, sensing the tension that lingered beneath his words. "Even so, my lord, I fear these rumors are not mere gossip. The way they spread, the way they take root—there is intent behind them."

Liu Bei closed his eyes for a moment, contemplating her words. She was no fool. Of all his wives, she was perhaps the most perceptive when it came to the undercurrents of court politics. But he could not let her see his doubt. Doubt was a weakness, and weakness invited ruin.

"It is the nature of men to envy," he finally said, his tone dismissive. "Those who fear my rise seek to undermine me. But I have endured worse, and I will endure this as well."

Lady Gan hesitated before nodding, though the concern in her gaze did not fade. She withdrew her hands, giving him a small bow. "Then I shall pray for your continued strength, my lord."

As Liu Bei turned his thoughts back to his plans, elsewhere in Xiangyang, within the walls of the Serenity Inn, another meeting was taking place, one that would shape the tides of his fate.

The private chamber within the Serenity Inn was dimly lit, the flickering candle casting shadows upon the walls as Kuai Yue and Kuai Liang sat in quiet contemplation. Their expressions were guarded, their minds sharp with calculation. The subtle signals they had received from Cang Xiu over the past weeks had intrigued them, but it was the rumors of Liu Bei that had truly piqued their interest.

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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