Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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As the meeting concluded, Lie Fan felt a sense of resolve settles over him. He was assured that everything would go as planned, since he had the best advisors the land could ask for. If Cao Cao or Liu Bei had the kind of advisors he has now, he was sure that in the original history, either one would conquer the land in no time.

Outside of Lie Fan’s study, the air was thick with the weight of responsibility as Sima Yi, Chen Qun, and Lu Su made their way to Chen Qun’s office. The task before them was delicate and fraught with potential consequences.

They were to draft new terms for Goguryeo, terms that would cripple the kingdom’s ability to rebel without provoking them into open defiance. It was a balancing act that required both precision and foresight, and each of the three advisors brought their own perspective to the table.

As they entered Chen Qun’s office, the atmosphere was one of focused determination. Scrolls and writing materials were laid out on the table, ready for use. The three men took their seats, their expressions serious but thoughtful. Sima Yi, as the one tasked to lead the drafting of the term, was the first to speak.

”The terms we impose must be severe enough to weaken Goguryeo’s military and political capabilities,” he began, his tone measured but firm. ”We cannot afford to give them any room to maneuver or rebuild their strength. My proposal is to demand the immediate disbandment of their standing army, leaving only a small force for internal security. Additionally, we should impose heavy restrictions on their ability to trade military supplies and technology.”

Chen Qun, known for his meticulous attention to detail, nodded thoughtfully. ”While I agree that the terms must be stringent, we must also consider the potential backlash. If we push too hard, we risk provoking Goguryeo into open rebellion, which would divert resources and attention from our other priorities. My suggestion is to impose economic sanctions that target their ability to fund military activities, such as restricting their access to key trade routes and imposing heavy tariffs on their exports.”

Lu Su, the most diplomatic of the three, leaned forward, his expression calm but resolute. ”I understand the need for severity, but we must also consider the long-term implications. If we treat Goguryeo too harshly, we risk alienating their people and creating a lasting resentment that could undermine our efforts to maintain control. My proposal is to focus on diplomatic measures, such as requiring Goguryeo to send high ranking officials as hostages now to Xiapi and establishing a council of oversight to monitor their activities.”

The three advisors spent the next several hours debating the merits of each proposal, their voices rising and falling as they argued their points. Sima Yi’s approach was the most aggressive, aimed at crippling Goguryeo’s ability to rebel in the short term.

Chen Qun’s proposal was more moderate, focusing on economic measures that would weaken Goguryeo over time. Lu Su’s approach was the most diplomatic, emphasizing oversight and cooperation rather than outright suppression.

As the debate continued, it became clear that each approach had its strengths and weaknesses. Sima Yi’s terms would achieve the desired result quickly but risked provoking immediate backlash.

Chen Qun’s measures would weaken Goguryeo gradually but might not be enough to prevent them from gathering strength in secret. Lu Su’s diplomatic approach would minimize the risk of rebellion but might not be sufficient to cripple Goguryeo’s ability to act against them.

Finally, after much deliberation, the three advisors reached a compromise. They decided to incorporate elements from each proposal, creating a set of terms that would be severe enough to cripple Goguryeo’s ability to rebel but not so harsh as to provoke immediate defiance.

The most significant of these terms was the creation of a new bureau, to be called the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau. This bureau would have the same authority and influence as Goguryeo’s prime minister, and in some cases, even more than the king himself.

It would be staffed by Goguryeo officials who had been converted to loyalty by the Oriole Agents from the shadows, as well as special envoys sent from Xiapi who would act as the head of the bureau.

The Lie Clan Supervision Bureau would have the power to promote, demote, and even dismiss officials and military generals within Goguryeo’s court.

However, these actions would not be taken recklessly; they would be carefully calculated to sow confusion and distraction within Goguryeo’s leadership, making it difficult for them to organize any form of resistance. The bureau would also oversee the implementation of the new terms, ensuring that Goguryeo complied with all demands.

Once the terms were finalized, the three advisors immediately set to work drafting the official document. Sima Yi’s sharp intellect ensured that the language was precise and unambiguous, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Chen Qun’s attention to detail ensured that every clause was carefully considered, with contingencies in place for potential challenges. Lu Su’s diplomatic touch ensured that the terms were framed in a way that minimized the risk of provoking immediate backlash.

As they worked, the tension in the room began to ease, replaced by a sense of accomplishment. They knew that the terms they were drafting would have far-reaching implications, not just for Goguryeo but for the entire region. If implemented successfully, they would secure Lie Fan’s northeastern flank and allow him to focus on his other priorities without fear of interference from Goguryeo.

Meanwhile, in another part of Xiapi, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were preparing for their journey to Xiangping. The two strategists had been tasked with assisting Gongsun Gong in strengthening the northeastern border and preparing for the possibility of a Goguryeo rebellion. It was a mission that required both strategic acumen and diplomatic finesse, and Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong were well suited to the task.

As they packed their belongings, the two men discussed their plans for the journey. ”We must move quickly,” Zhuge Liang said, his tone calm but urgent. ”Gongsun Gong is a capable governor and commander, but he will need our support to fortify the border and prepare for any potential threats.”

Pang Tong, ever the contrarian, grinned mischievously. ”And let’s not forget the opportunity to gather intelligence on Goguryeo’s activities. If we can uncover their plans before they act, we’ll have a significant advantage.”

Zhuge Liang nodded, his expression thoughtful. ”Agreed. But we must also be cautious. Goguryeo is not to be underestimated, and we cannot afford to reveal our hand too soon.”

Once their preparations were complete, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong gathered a small group of elite armed escorts and set out for Xiangping. The journey would take several days, but the two strategists were confident in their ability to navigate the challenges ahead.

Back in Chen Qun’s office, the drafting of the terms was finally complete. Sima Yi, Chen Qun, and Lu Su reviewed the document one last time, ensuring that every detail was in place. Satisfied with their work, they presented the terms to Lie Fan for his approval.

Lie Fan read through the document carefully, his expression unreadable. When he finished, he looked up at his advisors, a faint smile playing on his lips. ”This is well done,” he said, his voice calm but appreciative. ”You have struck a balance between severity and restraint, ensuring that Goguryeo will be unable to rebel without provoking immediate conflict. I will sign and stamp these terms immediately.”

With that, Lie Fan affixed his seal to the document, officially enacting the new terms for Goguryeo. The advisors bowed slightly, a sense of accomplishment settling over them. They knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but they were confident in their ability to navigate them.

The terms for Goguryeo were just one piece of the puzzle, but they were a crucial one. By crippling Goguryeo’s ability to rebel, Lie Fan had secured his northeastern flank and bought himself the time he needed to focus on his other priorities.

After the terms were finalized and Lie Fan affixed his seal to the document, the weight of the moment settled over the room. The advisors exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of relief and anticipation.

The terms they had crafted were not just words on parchment, they were a calculated move to reshape the balance of power in the region. Lie Fan wasted no time in setting the next phase of the plan into motion. He knew that the success of these terms depended not only on their content but also on their delivery and enforcement.

With a decisive nod, Lie Fan turned to his advisors and said, ”We must ensure that these terms are delivered to Goguryeo with the gravity they deserve. The envoy we choose must be someone of impeccable reputation, someone who can command respect and authority. They must also be accompanied by a show of strength, to remind Goguryeo of the consequences of defiance.”

The advisors nodded in agreement. After a brief discussion, they settled on a seasoned diplomat named Li Wei, a man known for his eloquence, tact, and unwavering loyalty to Lie Fan. Li Wei had served in various diplomatic missions over the years, earning a reputation for his ability to navigate delicate situations with finesse. He was the perfect choice for this critical mission.

Lie Fan summoned Li Wei to his study and briefed him on the task at hand. ”You are to deliver these terms to King Sangsang of Goguryeo,” Lie Fan said, his voice steady and commanding. ”The terms are non negotiable, but you must present them in a manner that conveys both our resolve and our willingness to avoid unnecessary conflict. Do not underestimate the importance of this mission, Li Wei. The future of our northeastern flank depends on it.”

Li Wei bowed deeply, his expression a mixture of determination and solemnity. ”I understand the gravity of this task, my lord. I will not fail you.”

With that, Lie Fan assigned a sizable contingent of elite guards to accompany Li Wei. These were not ordinary soldiers; they were handpicked for their discipline, loyalty, and combat prowess. Their presence would serve as a reminder of Lie Fan’s military might, reinforcing the message that defiance would not be tolerated.

To expedite the journey, it was decided that the envoy and his escort would travel to Huai’An. From there, they would board a fleet of ships and sail to the port south of Xiangping.

This route would cut down on travel time significantly, allowing them to reach Goguryeo’s capital, Gungnae, in approximately two weeks to a month. However, Li Wei was determined to push the pace and reach Gungnae even sooner, knowing that every day counted in such a delicate mission.

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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