Reborn In The Three Kingdoms - Chapter 971

Chapter 971: 923. Ma Chao Predicted Request
 

Ma Chao dropped to one knee, his brothers following suit. “Your Majesty,” he said, his voice steady but filled with pride, “we have returned from the southern campaign. The Sun Clan and Shi Clan now hold dominion over the jungles of Funan and Champa, and their allegiance to the Hengyuan Dynasty is secured. The enemy has been pacified. The lands are at peace.”

Lie Fan’s expression softened into a broad smile. “Rise, General Ma Chao,” he said warmly. “Rise, all of you. You have done more than conquer, you have expanded the realm’s reach and ensured our borders remain safe. I am proud beyond measure.”

Ma Chao stood, bowing deeply. “It was Your Majesty’s strategy that made it possible. We merely carried it out.”

Lie Fan laughed heartily. “Always so humble, Ziling. You bring honor to Hengyuan.”

Lie Fan then stepped forward and placed a hand on Ma Chao’s shoulder. “I am gladdened not only by your success,” he said sincerely, “but by your safe return. Too many rulers forget that victory means little if it costs good men their lives. Tonight, we celebrate both your triumph and your survival.”

He turned, gesturing toward the assembled officials. “Let the banquet begin!”

The hall erupted in applause. Servants poured wine into gilded cups, musicians struck up lively tunes, and platters of steaming food were brought forth, succulent meats, fragrant rice, fresh fruits from the southern provinces.

Ma Chao and his brothers took their seats near the front, honored places close to the emperor. Around them, laughter and conversation filled the air. Toasts were raised in their name; officials praised their valor and discipline.

As the night deepened, dancers entered the hall, moving gracefully to the rhythm of drums. The flicker of torchlight cast long, swaying shadows across the golden walls, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

“Tell me,” Lie Fan said, smiling as he raised his cup toward Ma Chao, “how fare the lands of the southeast? Are the people willing to serve the Sun and Shi Clans?”

Ma Chao nodded. “They are, Your Majesty. The tribes there respect strength, and the sight of Your Majesty’s banners alone was enough to make many surrender. The Sun Clan has begun constructing fortifications along the rivers, and the Shi Clan oversees the transition of power in Champ’s capital of Vijaya.”

Lie Fan’s expression brightened. “Excellent. With the jungles tamed and the seas secure, Hengyuan’s borders grow stronger by the day.”

Zhuge Liang, seated further down the table, spoke with a faint smile. “It seems Heaven itself blesses Hengyuan, Your Majesty. With the new wagonway and cannon projects underway, and the southern lands pacified, the empire’s foundation becomes unshakable.”

The Emperor raised his cup toward him. “Then let Heaven bear witness, Kongming. We will forge an age of unity that no blade can sever.”

The hall cheered again, cups raised high in unison.

As the night deepened, the wine flowed freely. Ma Chao laughed with Ma Dai and Ma Tie as they recounted tales of their campaign, the deadly heat of the jungles, the cunning traps of the Funanese warlords, the day Ma Chao himself slew Funan strongest general in single combat. The courtiers listened in awe, the musicians pausing briefly before resuming their songs.

At one point, Lie Fan leaned back in his throne, watching the hall with quiet satisfaction. The empire was expanding, technology was advancing, and loyalty to him burned bright across every corner of the realm.

But beneath the surface of that joy, wheels of intrigue were turning. Far away in Chengdu, Emperor Xian’s fragile conspiracy grew bolder, and Fa Zheng’s trap was already closing around him. Soon, Lie Fan would receive the reports, the secret alliances, the whispered oaths, the treachery hidden beneath the old emperor’s trembling hands.

For now, however, Xiapi was alive with light and laughter. And as the Emperor raised his cup once more to toast his victorious generals, his voice carried the weight of destiny itself.

“To the heroes of Hengyuan,” Lie Fan declared, “and to the empire that shall outlast all ages!”

The hall roared in answer, “Long live the Emperor!”

As the final echoes of laughter and music faded from the grand hall, the night air of Xiapi grew cool and calm. The torches along the palace corridor flickered gently, their flames swaying in rhythm with the soft breeze that whispered through the open arches. The scent of wine, roasted meats, and incense still lingered faintly in the air, remnants of celebration that had filled the evening.

Lie Fan rose from his throne with a quiet sigh of satisfaction. The banquet had been splendid, a rare moment of ease amidst the unending burdens of empire.

Flanking him closely were two of his most trusted Yellow Ghost Bodyguards, silent, watchful men clad in dark robes embroidered with faint golden sigils that glimmered under the torchlight. Their eyes, sharp and unyielding, scanned every shadow as they followed their Emperor through the long marble corridor.

He had intended to retire to his chambers, to rest, perhaps to read a brief report before sleep, but before he had gone far, a voice called out behind him.

“Your Majesty!”

The sound was strong yet respectful, urgent without insolence.

Lie Fan turned, his long robes brushing the polished floor, and found Ma Chao approaching from the entrance of the hall, his armor glinting faintly under the torchlight. The great general’s expression carried both determination and hesitation, a rare sight for one known more for charging into battle than for hesitation.

The two Yellow Ghost Bodyguards reacted instantly, stepping forward and spreading their arms in a silent command for Ma Chao to halt. Their hands rested subtly near their weapons, though no threat was spoken aloud. They were trained for this, to let no one, not even one of the empire’s most loyal general, approach the Son of Heaven without procedure.

Ma Chao immediately understood. He stopped several paces away, lowered his head, and cupped his fists in salute.

“Your Majesty,” he said, voice firm but filled with deference. “Forgive this discourtesy in stopping you on your way. I would not trouble Your Majesty were it not important, but I have a request to make, one that concerns my future. If it pleases Your Majesty, might I ask for a few moments of your time tonight?”

Lie Fan’s brow lifted slightly, intrigued. The earnestness in Ma Chao’s voice was unmistakable. He had seen this look before, in men about to risk everything on a single plea.

“Your future, you say?” Lie Fan’s tone softened, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. “Very well, Ziling. You may speak with me as we walk. Come.”

Ma Chao bowed deeply. “I am grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”

The two began to walk side by side, their footsteps echoing quietly through the empty corridor. Behind them, the two Yellow Ghost Bodyguards followed at their usual close distance, until Ma Chao hesitated and spoke once more.

“Your Majesty,” he said carefully, “if it is not too presumptuous, might I ask that we speak in private? The matter is… deeply personal. Perhaps your guards could follow at a greater distance, far enough not to hear what I say.”

Lie Fan paused, looking at him with a knowing glint. Then he gave a small, amused smile and nodded.

“Of course, Ziling. I trust you.”

He raised one hand slightly, and the Yellow Ghosts immediately understood. They slowed their pace, falling back until they were several strides behind, close enough to intervene in a heartbeat, yet distant enough that the emperor and general could speak without their words being overheard.

As they continued down the lantern lit path toward the imperial quarters, Lie Fan’s tone turned light again. “Now then,” he said, glancing sidelong at Ma Chao. “What is this personal request that troubles the great might Ma Chao?”

Ma Chao took a deep breath, his face momentarily solemn. “Your Majesty,” he said, “I wish to request permission and your blessing, to pursue a marriage with Lady Sun Shangxiang, the daughter of the Duke of Wulie, Sun Jian, and younger sister to Marquis Dingdong, Sun Ce. And if it is not too bold… I would also ask Your Majesty to act as matchmaker between the two of us.”

For a heartbeat, silence filled the corridor. Even the torches seemed to flicker more quietly, as if holding their breath.

Lie Fan stopped walking.

He turned to look at Ma Chao, his expression unreadable for a long moment. Ma Chao, meeting his Emperor’s gaze, did not flinch, though the faintest tension marked his jaw.

Then, unexpectedly, Lie Fan laughed. A deep, warm, genuine laugh that echoed softly through the night air.

“So it has finally come to this,” Lie Fan said with mirth. “I had expected this day to arrive soon after your return to Xiapi, but not tonight of all nights! At the very least, I thought you would wait until tomorrow morning to come knocking at my chamber door, not chase me down the hallway before I could even sleep!”

Ma Chao blinked, startled. “Your Majesty… you knew?”

Lie Fan’s laughter softened into a smile, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Ziling, you are a man of fire and valor, but when it comes to the matters of the heart, you hide them as poorly as a tiger hiding its stripes.”

Ma Chao’s surprise deepened, and he looked almost embarrassed for a moment. “But how could Your Majesty have known? I have spoken of this to no one…”

Lie Fan raised a hand, chuckling quietly. “Ah, that would be telling, wouldn’t it? Let us just say, the Duke of Wulie and Marquis Dingdong are old friends of mine, brothers in all but blood. Our clans have shared wine, battlefields, and burdens since long before the founding of the Hengyuan Dynasty. I know that household well, perhaps better than anyone alive. When one of my generals starts exchanging glances with one of the Duke’s daughters at a celebration banquet, do you truly think I would fail to notice?”

Of course, what he did not say was that the Oriole Agents had long ago reported on the growing affection between Ma Chao and Sun Shangxiang, affection Lie Fan himself had subtly encouraged.

The bond between the Sun Clan and the imperial house of Hengyuan was one of his proudest creation, to see it strengthened by a union of hearts was something he had wanted so that he could control both sides much easier.

Ma Chao, hearing his words, lowered his head and smiled awkwardly. “I see now… I had forgotten, Your Majesty, how deep the bond runs between your house and the Sun Clan. Forgive me for my ignorance.”

Lie Fan waved a hand dismissively, his expression still light. “Nonsense. There is nothing to forgive. You are a warrior in heart, not a court gossip or an official in my court. But tell me, Ziling—” his tone shifted, the warmth in his voice tempered by authority “—are you certain of what you ask?”

______________________________

Name: Lie Fan

Title: Founding Emperor Of Hengyuan Dynasty

Age: 35 (202 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