If you want to read 20 Chapters ahead and more, be sure to check out my Patreon!!!
Go to https://www.patreon.com/Tang12
___________________________
"I used to only see the important ones," he muttered again, reaching for the next scroll. "Now I see everything." Still, regret flickered only briefly. A shadow at the edge of his pride. This throne, this title, Emperor, it had been his goal since the first moment he'd realized his rebirth, since the system he had brought with him granted him knowledge and power over this world.
This was how he would carve his mark into history, not as a footnote beneath Liu Bei who he had vanquished or Cao Cao, but as the founder of a new dynasty, a true innovator who would change China's fate.
He was halfway through reading a petition from the Magistrate of Shouchun when a soft knock echoed at the door.
"Enter," Lie Fan called, not looking up.
One of his young pages, one of his Oriole Agents in disguise, stepped inside, moving quickly but with careful discipline. The boy fell to one knee and bowed low.
"Forgive the interruption, Your Majesty. Urgent report from the northern and southern operatives."
Lie Fan set down his brush and looked up. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"What is it?"
The boy lifted his head and handed over a letter sealed in black wax. Lie Fan broke the seal, unfurled the parchment, and scanned the contents swiftly.
His eyes lit up with satisfaction as he smiled as well.
Both Gongsun Gong and Shi Xie, his two special governors of the northeast and far south respectively, were en route to Xiapi. With entourages. With gifts. With guards. With formal oaths of loyalty ready to be spoken.
Lie Fan set the letter down and smiled, slowly but broadly.
"So, they've come."
He had not asked for their homage. He had already counted them among his retainers, loyal in action and word. But this, this initiative, was a statement. It spoke of confidence in his rule, a willingness to be seen as supporters of the new dynasty he had created which was something they were obligated to have.
The agent remained silent, waiting.
Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, the report dangling between his fingers. "Tell the Ministry of Rites to prepare accommodations befitting their status. And inform Minister Lu Su, I want a formal reception when they arrive."
The agent bowed. "At once, Your Majesty."
As the door closed, Lie Fan exhaled, the weight of the morning's tedium momentarily forgotten.
Gongsun Gong, the shrewd but capable governor of Liaodong, and Shi Xie, the venerable governor of Jiaozhi. Their retinues flanking them, bearing tributes. Kneeling in the court. The ministers and courtiers watching. The court recorded every word for posterity.
Symbolism.
It mattered. In this time of upheaval, power wasn't just force, it was image, perception, and momentum.
And he was gathering all three.
Lie Fan stood, crossing to the window that overlooked the southern courtyard. Below, his palace buzzed with movement, officials, guards, and envoys, all going about their duties in service of the empire he had declared.
"I wonder if Cao Mengde is clenching his teeth right now," he murmured with a faint smirk.
But then his gaze drifted back to the mountain of scrolls as he let out a sigh.
"...I need more ministers."
Lie Fan returned to his desk, energy renewed. He resumed his work, signing off decrees and making notes for future policy, land reform in Ye Province, salt tax adjustments in Xu Province, tax adjustments in Qing Province, and grain reserves in anticipation of winter.
Every stroke of his brush was a nail in the coffin of the old order.
And yet, he knew the war was not over. Far from it.
Cao Cao would not sit idly. The man had ambition, and more than that, he had cunning. He had ruled in all but name for nearly a decade, longer in the original timeline. Lie Fan respected that.
But he would surpass it.
After several hours passed by, it was noon and Lie Fan had finally escaped his paperwork prison, strolling through the palace gardens with Ying Yue at his side. His hand gently held Ying Yue's as they strolled through the tranquility. While their line of guards, servants, and maids watched from around the garden.
"Gongsun Gong and Shi Xie's arrival will send a message," he mused. "Both of them showing that they acknowledge my rule as Emperor, not just a warlord anymore."
Ying Yue smiled. "And the Sun Clan's public allegiance? That must have Cao Cao frothing."
Lie Fan chuckled. "Oh, I'd pay to see his face."
After that, they continued to walk in science, before Lie Fan broke it. "I've been thinking," Lie Fan said quietly, their steps slow and unhurried, "about Chenchen's future."
Ying Yue turned her head toward him, curious. "He's already entering his teenage years," she said with a light laugh, "still you're worried about his path?"
Lie Fan smiled. "It is the duty of a father. And an Emperor. We must always think a generation ahead. I intend to formally name him Crown Prince soon. Before the court and the world."
Ying Yue blinked in surprise. Her lips parted slightly but no words came at first. "You mean to declare him heir… so suddenly?"
Lie Fan nodded. "The times are uncertain. I don't know what storm might come tomorrow. Securing the line of succession now, when the court is steady and our power unchallenged, is the wise course."
He stopped, turning to face her more fully. "That's why I want to ask you, Yue:er. Who do you believe should serve as his Royal Perceptor, Royal Tutor, and Royal Bodyguard?"
Her eyes widened slightly. Of all the matters of state, this she had not expected. She opened her mouth, hesitated, then closed it. Her hand tightened around his slightly.
"Husband…" she began softly, her voice carrying emotion, "I… I'm touched. You could have decided this alone. You are Emperor now. Yet you still… ask me."
Her eyes were glassy, but she held herself with grace. "You're the same man I married. And that means more to me than any crown."
Lie Fan's gaze softened. He lifted her hand and gently kissed the back of it, a rare display of affection in public which caused her to blush. "You're the mother of the Crown Prince. The one I trust most in this world. Your opinion matters more than any minister or general in the teaching of our children."
Ying Yue smiled through the emotion welling in her chest. "But truly, I don't know all your ministers. Only those Masters in the Inner Council… alongside Master Mi Zhu and Master Sun Qian. I trust you to choose the best people for our son. You know them better than I."
Lie Fan nodded slowly, warmth in his eyes. "Then I promise you I'll choose not the most powerful, nor the most decorated, but the ones best suited to shape him into the Emperor he must become."
They continued walking for a while longer, silent, hand in hand. But the tone had changed, something sacred had passed between them, a reaffirmation of trust, of partnership.
After some time, Lie Fan excused himself, giving her hand one last squeeze before heading back to the palace. His stride now held greater purpose. There was much to be done.
When he arrived at the royal study, the scent of sandalwood incense filled the chamber. The sun through the windows painted long shadows on the floor as he took his seat behind the lacquered table carved with dragon motifs. Servants stood by quietly, awaiting his orders.
"Summon Chancellor Jia Xu, Grand Secretary Chen Qun, Grand Commandant Xun You, Minister of Personnel Zhuge Liang, and Minister of War Sima Yi," he said firmly. "Tell them that I require their counsel immediately."
The servants bowed and scattered like a windblown flock. Lie Fan leaned back, drawing a slow breath as he reached for a thick volume beside him. "The Teachings of the Sage Kings." It was one of the many texts he had studied as a child when he reincarnated in their world. Something that he also has had Chechen to read, in preparation for the journey he will have in adulthood.
A short while later, the study doors opened again. The five men entered together, all seasoned statesmen, pillars of his administration. Their faces bore expressions of curiosity and quiet tension. The presence of all five, summoned together, was no small thing.
Lie Fan looked up from the book and smiled faintly. "Gentlemen."
They bowed in unison. "Your Majesty."
"Please, be seated."
Once they had taken their places, Lie Fan let the silence linger just long enough to build a sense of weight behind his words.
"I've called you here not for war councils or court intrigue," he said calmly, "but for a matter more personal, and yet no less important."
The five exchanged glances, subtle shifts of posture betraying surprise. Jia Xu raised a brow, Chen Qun leaned in slightly, Zhuge Liang's fan stilled in his hand.
Lie Fan continued. "I intend to formally announce my eldest son, Prince Lie Muchen as Crown Prince."
Now their surprise became audible, a faint intake of breath here, a murmur of acknowledgment there.
"And to that end, I wish your counsel. Who should serve as his Royal Perceptor, his Royal Tutor, and his Royal Bodyguard?"
The men glanced around at each other once more, this time with some relief.
It was Jia Xu who chuckled first. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. We feared that you summoned us to discuss something that had more of an immediate impact. Of course, it's not that the appointment of Prince Lie Muchen as Crown Prince wasn't as important, but the impact wasn't as immediate."
Chen Qun nodded, smiling faintly. "Indeed, Your Majesty. This is a weighty matter, but as Master Ji Xu said it's not one that shakes the pillars of the realm immediately."
Lie Fan laughed lightly, resting his chin on one hand. "I won't blame you for thinking that. After all, of you hold such important positions. But this matter is dear to my heart, and to the future of this dynasty."
Silence followed again, this time thoughtful. Who would shape the mind, the morals, and the martial prowess of the future emperor? Then the discussion began in earnest.
Jia Xu was the first to break the contemplative silence, his tone precise. "Your Majesty," he began, "the Royal Preceptor must be a man of unimpeachable character, one who can instill both wisdom and humility in the Crown Prince. For this role, I recommend Zhuge Jin."
A murmur of consideration rippled through the room.
Lie Fan tilted his head. "Explain."
Jia Xu steepled his fingers. "He is scholarly yet pragmatic, virtuous without being rigid. As the elder brother of Minister Zhuge Liang, he shares the same intellectual foundation but tempers it with a diplomat's grace. He is learned, composed, and diplomatic, his demeanor is calm but firm. He understands court politics and Confucian orthodoxy alike. The Crown Prince will need that guidance in his dealings with the court in the future."
______________________________
Name: Lie Fan
Title: Founding Emperor Of Hengyuan Dynasty
Age: 34 (201 AD)
Level: 16
Next Level: 462,000
Renown: 2325
Cultivation: Yin Yang Separation (level 9)
SP: 1,121,700
ATTRIBUTE POINTS
STR: 966 (+20)
VIT: 623 (+20)
AGI: 623 (+10)
INT: 667
CHR: 98
WIS: 549
WILL: 432
ATR Points: 0