Chapter 17
The first rays of dawn filtered through the mist that clung to the rolling hills of Song Xian's former territory. Lü Bu's banners fluttered in the cool breeze, their bold colors a stark reminder of the Flying General's conquest. The southern village, now fully under his control, bustled with activity as soldiers secured its defenses and prepared for the next phase of their campaign.
Lü Bu stood on the battlements, overlooking his newly acquired lands. The grain-rich fields stretched as far as the eye could see, their golden hues promising prosperity. Yet, Lü Bu's gaze was sharp and calculating. The land was his, but its people were not yet loyal, and nearby factions were sure to notice his growing power.
Chen Gong approached, his usual air of calm calculation about him. He carried a leather-bound ledger filled with reports on the village's resources and current state. "My lord," he began, "the southern village is secure, and the remaining defenders have been fully integrated into our forces. However, I must caution that tensions remain high among the villagers. Many still resent the loss of their former leaders."
"Resentment fades with time," Lü Bu replied, his tone even. "But I won't tolerate dissent. Make it clear that they now serve me. Reward those who prove loyal and punish any who resist."
Chen Gong nodded. "I've already taken steps to ensure order. Zhao Yong is overseeing the garrison here, and his men are distributing grain to the villagers. It's a calculated show of goodwill. Hunger makes people desperate, but generosity makes them obedient."
Lü Bu smirked. "Good. Let them see the benefits of my rule, but never let them forget the consequences of defiance."
---
Down in the village square, Zhao Yong barked orders as soldiers organized the captured supplies. Piles of grain sacks, barrels of preserved meat, and carts of livestock were being tallied and prepared for transport. The villagers watched from a distance, their expressions wary but subdued.
Zhao Yong turned to Gao Fang, who had just arrived with reinforcements from the iron-producing village. The former mercenary bowed slightly before addressing Lü Bu's lieutenant. "The iron shipments are on schedule, and the blacksmiths are working day and night to equip our forces. I've brought an additional hundred swords and fifty sets of armor as requested."
"Well done," Zhao Yong replied. "We'll need every weapon we can muster if the other factions decide to test our strength."
Gao Fang hesitated for a moment before adding, "There's been talk among the workers back at the iron village. Word of your lord's conquest is spreading, and it's causing unrest. Some fear retaliation from neighboring lords, while others see this as an opportunity to join a stronger force."
Zhao Yong's expression hardened. "Fear is natural, but it's our job to turn it into loyalty. If the workers remain productive, they'll have nothing to fear. Make sure they understand that."
"I will," Gao Fang said with a bow.
---
Later that day, Lü Bu convened a meeting with his generals and advisors in the village's largest building, a sturdy hall that had once served as Song Xian's command center. A large map of the region was spread across the central table, its surface marked with the positions of nearby territories and potential threats.
Chen Gong pointed to the map, his finger tracing the borders of their newly acquired land. "With Song Xian's territory under our control, we now hold the most fertile farmland in the region. However, this victory has made us a target. To the east lies the territory of Liu Yan, a cautious but resourceful leader. To the west, there are rumors that an alliance is forming between several smaller factions."
Lü Bu leaned over the map, his expression unreadable. "Let them form their alliances. They'll fall just like Song Xian."
"Even so, it would be unwise to underestimate them," Chen Gong cautioned. "An alliance, even among weaker factions, can pose a significant threat if they coordinate their efforts."
"What do you propose?" Lü Bu asked.
"We should solidify our position before taking further action," Chen Gong replied. "Fortify the southern village, establish supply lines between our holdings, and train the new recruits. Additionally, diplomacy may be worth considering. If we can isolate Liu Yan from potential allies, it will make our future campaigns easier."
Zhang Liao, who had been silently observing the discussion, finally spoke. "Diplomacy has its place, but I trust steel more than words. Let me lead a campaign against Liu Yan. His forces are strong, but they're spread thin. A swift strike could cripple him before he has a chance to react."
Lü Bu considered this for a moment before shaking his head. "Not yet. Liu Yan may be cautious, but he's no fool. Attacking him now would only unite our enemies. We'll fortify our position first, as Chen Gong suggested. Then, when the time is right, we'll strike with overwhelming force."
---
As the meeting concluded, a messenger arrived, his horse lathered with sweat from a hard ride. He dismounted quickly and knelt before Lü Bu. "My lord," he said, his voice breathless, "a letter from Liu Yan's court."
Lü Bu took the scroll and broke the wax seal, unrolling it to read its contents. The letter was formal and polite, but its underlying tone was clear: Liu Yan was watching, and he would not tolerate further expansion into his territory.
"Liu Yan seeks to test us," Lü Bu said, tossing the letter onto the table. "He warns us not to expand, yet he does nothing to stop us. He's probing for weakness."
Chen Gong picked up the letter, scanning its contents. "This could be an opportunity, my lord. If Liu Yan sees us as a potential ally rather than a threat, he may hold off on taking direct action. We could use this time to strengthen our position further."
"And if he decides to strike first?" Lü Bu asked.
"Then we'll be ready," Chen Gong replied with a faint smile.
---
That evening, as the village settled into an uneasy calm, Lü Bu felt the familiar hum of the system activating. The translucent screen appeared before him, its glowing text updating in real time to reflect his progress.
---
[Status Window]
Name: Lü Bu (Reincarnated: [Name Pending])
Title: Flying General
Rank: Warlord
Territory Controlled:
1 Stronghold
6 Villages
1 Trading Town
Troops:
Infantry: 1,050 (+100 from Integration)
Archers: 500
Cavalry: 450
Resources:
Food: Abundant (60 Days' Supply)
Weapons: Surplus (Increased Iron Production)
Gold: Stable (Tax Revenue and Trade)
Vassals:
1. Zhao Yong: Oversees troop discipline and training. Commands garrisons.
2. Gao Fang: Manages the iron-producing village and coordinates weapon production.
3. Wu Wei: Supervises grain and timber supplies from his former holdings.
Generals:
1. Zhang Liao: Oversees battlefield tactics and leads elite forces.
2. Chen Gong: Strategist. Manages diplomacy, logistics, and military planning.
Skills:
1. Sky Piercer Slash (Active): A devastating halberd strike that deals 150% damage to enemies in range.
2. Command Presence (Passive): Increases troop morale by 20% in battle.
3. Iron Resolve (Passive): Reduces resource consumption by 10% during shortages.
4. Strategic Insight (Passive): Enhances decision-making in large-scale engagements.
Objectives:
Primary: Unify the Land.
Sub-objective: Fortify Southern Village (Progress: 35%).
Bonus Objective: Secure Alliance or Defeat Liu Yan.
---
Lü Bu dismissed the screen, his expression resolute. The southern village had been secured, and his forces were growing stronger with each passing day. But the path ahead was fraught with challenges, and he would need to tread carefully to avoid being overwhelmed by alliances or rival factions.
"Chen Gong," Lü Bu said, turning to his strategist, "begin preparations for fortifying our holdings. And keep an eye on Liu Yan. I want to know his every move."
"As you command, my lord," Chen Gong replied with a bow.
As the stars began to dot the night sky, Lü Bu stood atop the village walls, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. His ambition was unyielding, his resolve ironclad. The world would bow to him, one village at a time.