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The three masters listened intently, their expressions thoughtful. When Lie Fan finished, Sima Hui was the first to speak. "My lord, your vision is both ambitious and inspiring. It is clear that you have put a great deal of thought into this plan, and we commend your dedication to your children's education, especially young lord Muchen who will succeed you."
Pang Degong nodded in agreement. "Indeed, my lord. Your emphasis on practical skills and progressive thinking is particularly noteworthy. However, I would suggest incorporating more opportunities for hands-on learning. For example, Chenchen could benefit from observing and participating in governance and diplomacy firsthand, under your guidance."
Huang Chengyan added, "I also believe it would be beneficial to expose your children to diverse perspectives. This could be achieved by inviting scholars, artisans, and administrators from different backgrounds to share their experiences and insights. Such exposure would broaden their horizons and help them develop a more nuanced understanding of the world."
Lie Fan's eyes lit up with appreciation. "These are excellent suggestions, Masters. I will incorporate them into the plan immediately. Your wisdom is truly invaluable."
The discussion continued for several hours, with the three masters offering additional insights and recommendations.
They discussed the importance of instilling a sense of responsibility and humility in Lie Fan's children, as well as the need to balance their education with opportunities for rest and recreation. By the time the meeting concluded, Lie Fan felt a renewed sense of confidence in his plans.
As he prepared to leave, Lie Fan bowed deeply to the three masters. "Thank you, Masters, for your guidance and support. Your wisdom has been instrumental in refining my vision, and I am deeply grateful."
Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan returned the bow, their expressions filled with respect and admiration. "It is our honor to serve you, my lord," Sima Hui said. "We have no doubt that your children will grow into wise and capable leaders, thanks to your dedication and vision."
After leaving Xiapi Academy, Lie Fan walked through the bustling streets of the city, accompanied by his two Yellow Ghost bodyguards walking behind them. The common people, recognizing their lord, greeted him with deep respect and fervent admiration.
They bowed as he passed, their faces lighting up with gratitude and reverence. Lie Fan, always puts on approachable aura for the common people, raised his hand and smiled warmly. "Please, rise and be at ease. Continue with your day as you were," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. The people obeyed, their smiles widening as they returned to their activities, their spirits lifted by their lord's presence.
As Lie Fan continued his walk, he observed the dynamics of the city. The outer city, once a hub of activity for both commoners and nobles, now seemed to have fewer nobles mingling among the populace. Most of the noble families had retreated to the inner city, where they could maintain their status and distance from the common people.
This shift had its advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, the lives of the common people were less disrupted by the whims and demands of the nobility.
They could go about their daily routines without fear of interference or exploitation. However, the growing divide between the classes was becoming more pronounced, a stark reminder of the societal hierarchy that defined this era in China and around the world.
Lie Fan couldn't help but reflect on the implications of this separation. While he disliked the idea of such blatant class segregation, he understood that it was a reality of the world he lived in. Moreover, he saw an opportunity in this divide that he could exploit for himself.
By focusing on educating the common people and nurturing talent from their ranks, he could create a new class of capable individuals who would challenge the traditional power structures.
This, in turn, would allow him to play both sides, balancing the influence of the nobles who will suppress the common people, while empowering the commoners who in turn will fight against the suppression.
The result of this tension would strengthen his imperial authority in the future, making it untouchable as he mediated between the two groups.
Of course, this was a long term strategy, one that would take years, if not decades, to fully realize. But Lie Fan was patient. He had a vision for the future, and he was willing to lay the groundwork now to ensure its success, just like all the plans he have made since his arrival in this world and have more fruit one by one.
As he walked, his mind buzzed with plans and ideas, each one building on the last. He knew that the key to his dynasty's longevity lay in adaptability and innovation, and he was determined to instill these values in his children and his people.
By the time Lie Fan returned to Lie Clan residence, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city. He made his way to the inner chambers, where his wives were gathered, their laughter and conversation filling the air with a sense of warmth. Lie Fan smiled as he entered the room, his presence immediately drawing their attention.
"Welcome back, Husband," Ying Yue said, her voice gentle and welcoming. "How was your day?"
Lie Fan took a seat among them, his expression thoughtful. "It was productive," he replied. "I visited Xiapi Academy and spoke with Masters Sima Hui, Pang Degong, and Huang Chengyan about the plans I have for our children's education. Their insights were invaluable, and I feel more confident than ever about the plan I have made due to their insight."
Diao Chan, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward with interest. "What did they say, Husband? Did they have any suggestions you like and will incorporate to your plan?"
Lie Fan nodded, his eyes lighting up as he recounted the discussion. "They emphasized the importance of hands on learning and exposure to diverse perspectives. They suggested that Chenchen should observe and participate in governance and diplomacy under my guidance, and that we invite scholars, artisans, and administrators from different backgrounds to share their experiences with our children. They also stressed the need to balance education with rest and recreation, to ensure our children grow up well rounded and resilient."
Cai Wenji, who had been gently strumming a guqin, paused and looked at Lie Fan with admiration. "It sounds like a comprehensive plan, Husband. I have no doubt that our children will thrive under your guidance, especially Chenchen since he will be the one to succeed you."
Lu Lingqi, who had been resting her hand on her belly, smiled softly. "I agree. Our children are fortunate to have a father who cares so deeply about their future, and even take the lengths to prepare a very thought on education plan."
Lie Fan reached out and took Lu Lingqi's hand, his expression filled with affection. "And they are fortunate to have mothers who are just as dedicated. This is a family effort, and I couldn't do it without all of you."
The room fell into a comfortable silence, the bond between Lie Fan and his wives deepen as they began discussing about the education plan Lie Fan made. They spent the rest of the evening discussing the details of the education plan, each wife offering her own insights and suggestions.
By the time they retired for the night, Lie Fan felt a deep sense of fulfillment as he have gained more insight. His wives was all talented woken in their own way, and the insight they offered all cover materials like military, literature, ethics, mathematics, even medicine, and many more.
Meanwhile, far to the southwest in Xiangyang, within the Kuai residence, a very different conversation was taking place. Kuai Liang and Kuai Yue, two of the most influential advisors in Jing Province, sat in their study, their faces pale and their expressions grim.
Spread across the table before them were scrolls and documents, each one filled with evidence about Liu Bei, exaggerated evidence or not, that the man they had once welcomed as their lord in exchange of abandoning Liu Biao.
Kuai Liang, the elder of the two, rubbed his temples as he stared at the papers. "I can hardly believe it," he muttered, his voice heavy with disbelief. "All this time, we thought Liu Bei was a virtuous leader, a man of the people. But this... this paints a very different picture and proves our suspiocn of him was true."
Kuai Yue, his younger brother, nodded in agreement. His usual calm demeanor was replaced by a look of deep concern. "The evidence is overwhelming. Liu Bei's so called righteousness is nothing more than a facade. He manipulates situations to his advantage, using the guise of helping the common people to further his own ambitions. We've invited a wolf into our midst, thinking it was a sheep."
The two brothers had spent weeks gathering information, their suspicions growing with each passing day. Liu Bei's actions, once seen as noble and selfless, now appeared calculated and self serving.
The evidence before them detailed how Liu Bei had orchestrated events to gain the trust of the people, all while quietly consolidating power and undermining potential rivals, talented or not, if they doesn't want to serve him. His ambition was vast, and his methods were ruthless.
Kuai Liang sighed, his mind racing as he tried to process the implications. "We cannot ignore this. If Liu Bei is allowed to continue unchecked, he will eventually turn on us if he realize what we are doing here. We must act, and quickly."
Kuai Yue leaned forward, his expression determined. "Agreed. But we must be careful. Liu Bei is cunning, and he has already gained the loyalty of many by using this facade, especially Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. If we move against him openly, it could backfire and be the end of the Kuai Clan."
The brothers fell silent, their minds working in tandem as they considered their options. They knew that confronting Liu Bei directly would be risky, but allowing him to continue his machinations was even more dangerous. They needed a plan, one that would expose Liu Bei's true nature without jeopardizing their own position.
After a long moment, Kuai Liang spoke again, his voice low and steady. "We must gather the allies of the Kuai Clan and present this evidence to them. If we can convince them of Liu Bei's true intentions, we can slowly isolate him and weaken his influence, them ousted him from Jing Province. At the same time, we should strengthen our own position and prepare for the possibility of conflict, since the presence of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei was Liu Bei's greatest assurance."
Kuai Yue nodded, his resolve firm. "It won't be easy, but it's the only way. We cannot let Liu Bei's ambition destroy everything the Kuai Clan have built." The two brothers spent the rest of the night strategizing, their minds focused on the task ahead. They knew that the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but they were determined to protect Jing Province and everything the Kuai Clan had built from the threat that Liu Bei posed.
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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