Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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The punishment was meant to serve as a warning to others, a reminder that insubordination would not be tolerated. Yet, the king also knew that he could not afford to alienate the military entirely. He appointed a new general to lead the army, a man known for his loyalty and discipline named Jang Gidu.

The decree was met with mixed reactions. The nobles, though relieved that action had been taken, were still anxious about the future. The military officials, particularly those loyal to Yeon Gaesomun, were angered by the decision.

They saw it as a betrayal, a sign that the king valued the opinions of the nobles over the sacrifices of the military, especially since in some eyes Jang Gidu was just a lackey to the King. The division within the court deepened, and the seeds of discord continued to grow.

As the days passed, the tension in Gungnae showed no signs of abating. The people of Goguryeo, from the highest nobles to the humblest peasants, could feel the weight of the kingdom’s uncertain future.

The division between the military and the king’s court had become a defining feature of the political landscape, and the consequences of this rift were yet to be fully realized.

For Sima Yi and Li Wei, the situation was a golden opportunity. They continued to monitor the developments within Goguryeo’s court, using the Oriole Agents to gather intelligence and subtly influence the narrative.

Through the intricate network of the Oriole Agents, Sima Yi and Li Wei began to quietly reach out to mid and lower ranking officials within Goguryeo’s government who had been covertly converted to swear allegiance to Lie Fan.

These officials, though not at the highest echelons of power, held significant influence in their respective roles and were crucial to the success of the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau.

Sima Yi’s purpose was twofold, which was to identify competent individuals who could effectively carry out the bureau’s duties and to ensure that their loyalty to Lie Fan was unwavering. This was no small task, as the stakes were high, and the consequences of failure could jeopardize the entire operation.

Sima Yi’s approach was methodical and deliberate. He knew that the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau would play a pivotal role in maintaining control over Goguryeo, and its success depended on the quality and loyalty of its members.

The bureau’s responsibilities would include overseeing the implementation of Lie Fan’s terms, monitoring Goguryeo’s military and economic activities, and ensuring compliance with the new policies.

It was a position of immense power and responsibility, and Sima Yi was determined to select individuals who could handle the task without succumbing to corruption or betrayal.

Unbeknownst to Li Wei, Sima Yi had already begun to consider him for a key role within the bureau. Over the course of their time together, Sima Yi had observed Li Wei’s competence, loyalty, and diplomatic finesse.

He believed that Li Wei had the potential to excel as the head of the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau in Goguryeo. It was a position that required not only administrative skill but also the ability to navigate the complex political landscape of Goguryeo.

Li Wei’s experience as an envoy and his calm demeanor under pressure made him an ideal candidate. Sima Yi planned to recommend him to Lie Fan once the time was right, confident that Li Wei would rise to the occasion.

However, Sima Yi’s task was complicated by the fact that many of the Goguryeo officials who had pledged allegiance to Lie Fan did so out of self interest. Their loyalty was often tied to promises of power, wealth, or protection, rather than a genuine commitment to Lie Fan’s vision.

While these individuals were competent and capable, their motivations posed a risk. The work of the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau would sometimes require actions that could undermine Goguryeo’s wealth or stability, and Sima Yi feared that officials driven by personal gain might turn against Lie Fan if their interests were threatened.

Therefore, he had to choose carefully, weighing each candidate’s skills against their motivations and reliability.

Sima Yi and Li Wei spent long hours reviewing the profiles of potential candidates, their discussions held in the privacy of their quarters to avoid detection.

The Oriole Agents provided detailed reports on each official, including their backgrounds, political affiliations, and personal ambitions. Sima Yi scrutinized each report with his characteristic precision, his sharp mind analyzing every detail.

”This one,” Sima Yi said, pointing to a name on the list, ”has shown remarkable efficiency in managing the treasury, but his loyalty is questionable. He has close ties to several nobles who oppose Lord Lie Fan’s terms. We cannot risk including him in the bureau.”

Li Wei nodded in agreement. ”And this official,” he added, indicating another name, ”has a reputation for integrity, but his influence is limited. He may not have the authority to enforce the bureau’s decisions effectively.”

Sima Yi leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. ”We need individuals who are not only competent but also capable of inspiring trust and loyalty among their peers. They must be able to navigate the complexities of Goguryeo’s court while remaining steadfast in their commitment to Lord Lie Fan.”

As they continued their deliberations, Sima Yi’s respect for Li Wei grew. The younger man’s insights were sharp, and his ability to assess people and situations was impressive.

It reinforced Sima Yi’s belief that Li Wei was the right choice to lead the bureau. However, he kept this thought to himself for the time being, wanting to observe Li Wei further before making his recommendation to Lie Fan.

Meanwhile, the political landscape of Goguryeo continued to fracture. The punishment of General Yeon Gaesomun and the appointment of Jang Gidu as the new military leader had only deepened the divisions within the kingdom.

The military officials loyal to Yeon Gaesomun viewed Jang Gidu as a puppet of the king, a man more concerned with maintaining his position than defending Goguryeo’s interests. This perception fueled resentment and distrust, further eroding the unity of the court.

The nobles, though relieved that action had been taken against Yeon Gaesomun, remained anxious about the future.

They feared that the military’s discontent could lead to open rebellion, jeopardizing their own positions and the safety of their families. Some began to quietly distance themselves from the king, seeking alliances with other factions or even considering covert negotiations with Lie Fan’s representatives.

The peasants, caught in the crossfire of these political machinations, grew increasingly restless. The uncertainty surrounding the kingdom’s future weighed heavily on their daily lives, and rumors of impending conflict spread like wildfire. The streets of Gungnae, once vibrant and bustling, now felt tense and uneasy, as if the city itself was holding its breath.

Meanwhile, amidst this turmoil, Sima Yi and Li Wei continued their work, their efforts focused on selecting the right individuals for the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau.

They met with several officials in secret, using the Oriole Agents to arrange discreet gatherings where they could assess each candidate’s suitability. These meetings were conducted with the utmost care, as any misstep could expose their plans and undermine their mission.

One such meeting took place in a secluded garden on the outskirts of Gungnae. The official, a mid ranking administrator named Park Minjae, had been identified as a potential candidate due to his reputation for efficiency and his covert allegiance to Lie Fan. As Sima Yi and Li Wei spoke with him, they carefully gauged his responses, looking for signs of genuine loyalty and competence.

”Master Sima Yi, Envoy Li Wei,” Park Minjae began, his tone respectful but cautious, ”I am honored by your consideration. I understand the importance of the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau and the role it will play in ensuring stability between our kingdoms.”

Sima Yi studied the man closely, his sharp eyes missing nothing. ”Your work in the administration has been commendable, Park Minjae. But tell me, what motivates you to serve in this capacity? What do you hope to achieve?”

Park Minjae hesitated for a moment before answering. ”I believe in the vision of a unified and stable region, one where our people can thrive without the constant threat of conflict. If serving in the bureau allows me to contribute to that vision, then I am willing to dedicate myself fully to the task.”

Sima Yi nodded, satisfied with the response. Park Minjae’s words reflected a sense of purpose that went beyond personal gain, a quality that was essential for the bureau’s success. After the meeting, Sima Yi and Li Wei discussed their impressions, ultimately deciding to include Park Minjae in their list of candidates.

Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Xiapi, Lie Fan sat in his study, surrounded by stacks of documents that required his attention. The weight of governance rested heavily on his shoulders, but he bore it with the calm and composed demeanor that had become his hallmark.

The room was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of parchment as he reviewed reports, issued decrees, and made decisions that would shape the future of his growing empire.

As he worked, a soft cooing sound drew his attention. He looked up to see a messenger bird perched on the windowsill, its small leg bearing a tightly rolled scroll.

Lie Fan recognized the bird immediately, it was one of the Oriole Agents’ trained messengers, used to deliver urgent and confidential reports. He rose from his seat and approached the window, gently retrieving the scroll from the bird’s leg. The bird, its task complete, took flight and disappeared into the sky.

Lie Fan returned to his desk and unrolled the scroll, his eyes scanning the meticulously written characters. The report, compiled by the Oriole Agents, detailed the recent developments in Goguryeo.

It included updates on Sima Yi and Li Wei’s activities, the growing divisions within Goguryeo’s court, and the progress in selecting members for the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau. As Lie Fan read, a faint smile played on his lips.

”Sima Yi,” he murmured to himself, his voice filled with quiet satisfaction. ”You have outdone yourself.” The report highlighted Sima Yi’s strategic approach to handling the situation in Goguryeo.

His ability to exploit the divisions within the kingdom’s leadership, his meticulous selection of officials for the bureau, and his foresight in recommending Li Wei for a key role all demonstrated his exceptional skill as a strategist and diplomat. Lie Fan was particularly pleased with Sima Yi’s initiative in choosing competent and loyal officials for the bureau, ensuring that it would function effectively and remain aligned with his vision.

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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