Reborn In The Three Kingdoms

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After a lengthy discussion, it was decided that Yeon Gaesomun and Kang Saeng would be transported to Xiapi under the guard of Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong elite guards that escort them. The journey would be carefully planned to ensure their safe arrival, and once in Xiapi, they would be presented to Lie Fan.

As for Choi Minho, the Goguryeo general who had pledged his allegiance to Lie Fan, it was agreed that he would remain in Xiangping for the time being. His knowledge of Goguryeo’s tactics and terrain made him an invaluable asset to Gongsun Gong, especially in the event of future attempts of retaliation. ”Choi Minho’s presence here will serve as both a symbol and a resource,” Gongsun Gong said. ”Should Goguryeo decide to retaliate, his insights could prove crucial to break Goguryeo.”

With the matter settled, Gongsun Gong insisted on holding a modest banquet to bid farewell to Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong. Though they had initially declined the offer of a grand celebration, they could not refuse the heartfelt gesture of gratitude from their host.

The banquet, held in the grand hall of Xiangping’s fortress, was a lively affair, filled with music, laughter, and the clinking of cups. The attendees other than civil officials, were also officers, who mingled freely, their camaraderie a testament to the bonds forged in battle.

As the night deepened, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong found themselves reflecting on their time in Xiangping. ”This city has large potential to be Lord Lie Fan’s symbol of influence for future vassals and tributaries,” Pang Tong remarked, his gaze sweeping over the gathered crowd.

Zhuge Liang nodded, his expression thoughtful. ”Indeed, I agree Shiyuan. Lord Lie Fan has proved how easily he played Goguryeo like a fiddle, even though they were a big kingdom, not as large as the Han Dynasty, but a big one nonetheless. It proves that we have chosen the right lord to follow.”

Meanwhile, far to the east in Goguryeo’s capital of Gungnae, Sima Yi was concluding his final lessons with Li Wei. The just formalized head of the Lie Clan supervision bureau had proven to be a quick study, absorbing the knowledge imparted to him with remarkable speed since Sima Yi teaching him.

Sima Yi was satisfied with this, as it proved that his lessons were worth the teaching to Li Wei, and that his expectations weren’t just expectations anymore.

”You have come far, Li Wei,” Sima Yi said, his voice tinged with approval. ”But remember, knowledge is only as valuable as the wisdom with which it is applied. The court of King Sansang is a treacherous place, especially since now we have made the line clear that your presence was here to control them on behalf of Lord Lie Fan, and you must tread carefully.”

Li Wei bowed his head respectfully. ”Your guidance has been invaluable, Master Sima Yi. I will not forget your teachings.”

Sima Yi’s expression softened, a rare display of emotion to those outside of his family and close friends. ”I have faith in you, Li Wei. You have the potential to be a great asset to Lord Lie Fan and his cause. But remember, to continue to stay vigilant, and never underestimate the Govguryeos, especially King Sansang and his two advisors, Mo Du, and Dal Gae.”

As Sima Yi prepared to depart for Xiapi, he took a moment to survey the city of Gungnae. The capital of Goguryeo was a place of contrasts, its grandeur masking the underlying tensions that simmered beneath the surface.

”Farewell, Li Wei,” Sima Yi said, his tone firm yet tinged with warmth. ”May your efforts bear fruit, and may we meet again under more favorable circumstances in the future, maybe when Govuryeo is truly absorbed into Lord Lie Fan’s empire.”

Li Wei bowed deeply, his heart filled with gratitude and determination. ”Farewell, Master Sima Yi. Safe travels, and may your journey be swift.”

As Sima Yi mounted his horse and rode out of Gungnae under the protection of his elite escort of guards, Li Wei stood at the city gates with his own set of elite guards, watching until his mentor disappeared from view.

On the other hand, the sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays over Xiapi. In the inner city, which was usually a place of quiet authority thanks to the nobles and upper class caste residing inside it, was now alive with the sounds of construction.

Workers, artisans, and blacksmiths moved with purpose, their hands calloused from labor, as they laid the foundation for what would become Lie Fan’s grand palace.

Lie Fan right now was looking at the construction of his palace, and the sight was a testament to the progress he had made over the years since his reborn to this world, a physical manifestation of his ambition and the fruits of his labor.

Standing amidst the chaos and hubbub of the construction, Lie Fan felt a deep sense of satisfaction. This was not just a palace, it was a symbol of his journey, a monument to the changes he had wrought upon the land and history itself.

By his side stood two of his most trusted and longest serving advisors alongside Sun Qian, which was Jia Xu, and Xun You, their presence a reminder of the long road they had traveled together.

The two men, though different in temperament, shared a common loyalty to their lord. Jia Xu, with his sharp mind and calculating nature, had always been a voice of reason and foresight.

Xun You, on the other hand, was a master of strategy and diplomacy, his calm demeanor often masking the depth of his insights. Together, they had been instrumental in guiding Lie Fan to this moment, from the greenhorn he was to this experienced player of politics.

As Lie Fan surveyed the construction site, his thoughts turned to the past. ”Wenhe, Gongda,” he began, his voice carrying a note of nostalgia, ”how many years has it been since we first met at Luoyang and began working together to reach this point?”

Jia Xu and Xun You exchanged a glance, their expressions thoughtful. It was Jia Xu who answered first, his tone measured. ”Around thirteen to fifteen years, my lord. A long time has passed since then.”

Xun You nodded in agreement, his gaze fixed on the rising structure before them. ”What Master Wenhe has just said is true, my lord. Who would have thought that we would reach this point? With you in your prime, already controlling half of the land with the Sun Clan pledging their secret allegiance to you, no one can stop you from achieving unification of the land.”

Lie Fan laughed, the sound rich and full of confidence. He turned to look at the two men, his eyes reflecting the pride he felt in their accomplishments. ”Yes, half of the land is already in my hands,” he said, his voice tinged with both satisfaction and determination. ”But there are still two people who could stop me. If it weren’t for the Oriole agents I created all those years ago, both of them could have put up a much stronger resistance against my rise.”

Jia Xu and Xun You knew exactly who the two men their lord was referring to, Cao Cao and Liu Bei. Both men were formidable in their own right, each possessing qualities that made them dangerous adversaries for their lord.

Cao Cao, with his ruthless pragmatism and unyielding ambition, had long been a thorn in Lie Fan’s side. Liu Bei, on the other hand, was a different kind of threat. His ability to inspire loyalty and his skillful use of virtue as a weapon had made him a figurehead for the common people.

Over the years, Jia Xu and Xun You had come to understand why Lie Fan viewed Liu Bei with such caution. The man was like a cockroach, hard to kill and capable of thriving in the most adverse conditions.

His true nature, hidden beneath a veneer of righteousness, had eluded even their keen perceptions. It was only through the efforts of the Oriole agents that they had uncovered the depth of his cunningness.

Jia Xu, ever the pragmatist, broke the silence. ”While such potential is true, my lord, with the number of talents flocking under your banner and the way you have treated the people, it won’t be long before you can announce your intention to become Emperor.”

Lie Fan’s eyes widened in surprise, and even Xun You turned to look at Jia Xu with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation. The idea of declaring himself Emperor had been a long held ambition for Lie Fan, one that he had carefully nurtured over the years since knowing the era he was reborn in. To hear Jia Xu suggest that the time was near filled him with a sense of exhilaration.

”Is this true, Wenhe?!” Lie Fan asked, his voice tinged with excitement. ”Do you think the opportune moment will come soon?”

Jia Xu genuinely smiled, a rare display of emotion from the usually shrewd, cunning, and mischievous advisor. ”Yes, my lord. I believe that when the palace is completed, it will be the right moment to do so. The construction of this palace is not just a symbol of your power, it is a statement of your legitimacy. Once it is finished combined with the Imperial Seal in your hand, the people will see it as a sign that the Mandate of Heaven has passed to you and the time of the Han has passed.”

Xun You nodded in agreement, his expression thoughtful. ”Master Wenhe is correct, my lord. The completion of the palace will be a powerful symbol, one that will resonate with both the common people and the nobility. With the Imperial Seal in hand, It will solidify your position and make it clear that you are the rightful ruler of the land.”

Lie Fan’s heart swelled with pride and anticipation. The thought of finally achieving his dream, of standing at the pinnacle of power and ushering in a new era, filled him with a sense of purpose. He turned his gaze back to the construction site, his eyes tracing the outlines of the rising structure. ”Then we must ensure that the palace is completed without delay,” he said, his voice firm. ”Every resource, every effort must be directed toward this goal.”

As the three men continued to discuss the details of the palace’s construction and the implications of its completion, their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of a messenger.

The man, dressed in the black uniform, a sign of an Oriole agent, approached with a sense of urgency. ”My lord,” he said, bowing deeply, ”I bring news from the northwest. Master Zhuge Liang and Master Pang Tong brought both Yeon Gaesomun and Kang Saeng on their return to Xiapi. They are currently en route to Xiapi with the prisoners under heavy guard by the elite guards put as their escort.”

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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