504. Responses To The Goguryeo Envoy

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Jinseok nodded, expecting the question. "It is true that Goguryeo is proud, but we are also pragmatic. The losses we suffered have made it clear that continued conflict would not benefit either side. King Sansang is wise enough to recognize that there is more to be gained through cooperation than through endless war. Furthermore, the victories you have achieved, Lord Gongsun, have earned you the respect of my people. It is out of respect, not submission, that we come to you with this offer."

Gongsun Gong allowed a small smile to touch his lips. "Respect, you say. I can appreciate that. Very well, Envoy Jinseok, I am willing to entertain the possibility of this agreement. However, there are conditions that must be met if we are to proceed."

Jinseok inclined his head, waiting for Gongsun Gong to continue.

"First," Gongsun Gong said, "the tribute must be substantial. Goguryeo must demonstrate its sincerity by providing not only goods but also assurances that they will not engage in any military actions along our borders. Second, the trade routes you propose must be open and free from interference by any of your officials or soldiers. If there is even a hint of obstruction, the agreement will be void."

He paused, his gaze hardening. "And third, Goguryeo must send hostages to ensure compliance. A show of good faith is required to prove that your king's words are not empty promises."

Jinseok's expression tightened slightly at the mention of hostages, but he quickly regained his composure. "Your conditions are... demanding, Lord Gongsun, but I believe they are not unreasonable. I will convey your terms to my king. I am confident that he will see the wisdom in your proposal."

Gongsun Gong nodded. "Very well. You will remain as our guest until you receive a response from your king. In the meantime, enjoy our hospitality."

With that, the audience was concluded, and the Goguryeo delegation was escorted to their quarters. As Gongsun Gong returned to his study, he reflected on the conversation. The proposal from Goguryeo was a step in the right direction, but he knew that there was much more at play.

If handled correctly, this agreement could bring stability to his northern borders, freeing him to focus on expanding his influence elsewhere. But if Goguryeo was attempting to buy time to rebuild its strength, Gongsun Gong would need to stay vigilant.

For now, he would wait for King Sansang's response while reporting this matter to his lord, Lie Fan. But in the back of his mind, Gongsun Gong was already planning his next move, ensuring that whether through diplomacy or force, his grip on the northeast would continue to tighten.

As the sun dipped below the horizon in Xiangping, Gongsun Gong retired to his private chambers, deep in thought about the recent developments with the Goguryeo envoy.

The visit had been unexpected, but the opportunity it presented was too significant to ignore. He had to strike a delicate balance, strengthening his position while ensuring Goguryeo did not use the tributary relationship as a means to stall for time.

After giving his orders to an official to draft a detailed report of the negotiations, Gongsun Gong knew the matter needed to reach Lie Fan as quickly as possible. The delicate political situation in the northeast required careful handling, and Lie Fan, as his lord would be instrumental in guiding the next steps.

The Oriole agents, who worked quietly in the shadows, were entrusted with such sensitive matters, and Gongsun Gong was confident they would deliver the message to Lie Fan promptly.

Later that evening, after reviewing the report prepared by his official, Gongsun Gong made a few adjustments to ensure the wording was precise and left no room for misinterpretation.

The letter outlined the details of his discussion with the Goguryeo envoy, Jinseok, including the terms he had proposed: substantial tribute, open and unimpeded trade routes, and the sending of hostages to guarantee compliance. These were non-negotiable, Gongsun Gong emphasized, as they would ensure that Goguryeo did not use the arrangement to bide their time and rebuild their strength.

Once the document was finalized, he handed it to an Oriole agent waiting in the shadows of the room. The agent, dressed inconspicuously, bowed silently before taking the letter and swiftly departing. Gongsun Gong watched the agent leave, confident that the message would reach Lie Fan within days.

Several days later, deep within the bustling city of Xiapi, Lie Fan sat in his study, reviewing a variety of reports and documents. His reign had seen vast expansion and consolidation of power across the empire, and with peace temporarily reigning across most of the mainland, he was turning his focus to long-term strategies for ensuring stability and growth.

Just as he set down a report on trade revenue from the southern part of his domain, a knock came at the door.

"Enter," Lie Fan said, his eyes flicking toward the door as one of his trusted Oriole agents stepped in, bowing deeply.

"My lord, we have received a message from Xiangping, from Gongsun Gong," the agent said, presenting a sealed letter alongside an accompanying report from the Oriole network overseeing the northeast.

Lie Fan took the documents, dismissing the agent with a nod. Breaking the seal on the letter from Gongsun Gong, he quickly read through its contents, his expression thoughtful as he digested the information.

The situation with Goguryeo was indeed intriguing. A kingdom that had once been a formidable opponent on the battlefield was now offering tribute and trade, a sign that they were weakening or, at the very least, had recognized the futility of further conflict.

The terms Gongsun Gong had proposed were strong but fair, in Lie Fan's estimation. Tribute was a standard practice in Chinese diplomacy with its neighbors, and hostages were a time-tested method of ensuring compliance. The trade routes, however, were what piqued Lie Fan's interest the most.

If handled properly, these routes could open the door to an influx of resources from Goguryeo that would benefit the northern territories while simultaneously binding the two nations closer together, giving Lie Fan even greater influence over the region.

After reading Gongsun Gong's letter, Lie Fan turned his attention to the Oriole report. It confirmed that the Goguryeo envoy had spoken truthfully about King Sansang's intentions, though it also highlighted the potential for Goguryeo to use this period of peace to strengthen their position. The Oriole agents had noted an increase in military activity in Goguryeo, though no overtly aggressive moves had been made.

Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, considering the broader implications. If Goguryeo truly sought peace and was willing to submit to a tributary relationship, then it would free up resources and troops in the northeast that could be deployed elsewhere.

However, if Goguryeo was using this proposal as a stalling tactic, they would need to be dealt with swiftly before they could pose a serious threat once more.

Needing outside perspective, Lie Fan summoned his inner council to his study. An hour passed by slowly, before Lie Fan's inner council began gathering in his private study, summoned to discuss a matter of critical importance.

Each advisor was a seasoned strategist or diplomat, handpicked by Lie Fan for their unique expertise and insight. Jia Xu, followed by Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, and finally, Sima Yi.

As they settled into their seats, the room grew still, their collective focus entirely on Lie Fan, who sat at the head of the table. His expression was thoughtful but firm. The message from Gongsun Gong, along with the Oriole report, had presented a strategic opportunity, but one that needed careful consideration.

"Gentlemen," Lie Fan began, his tone measured but commanding, "I have called you here to discuss a matter that may significantly impact our northern borders and the future stability of our empire. Gongsun Gong, our governor in Xiangping, recently received an envoy from Goguryeo. King Sansang has proposed a tributary relationship, accompanied by the promise of trade, in an effort to avoid further conflict."

He paused, letting the weight of the news sink in before continuing. "Gongsun Gong has outlined terms that I find reasonable: substantial tribute, the opening of trade routes without interference, and the sending of hostages to guarantee Goguryeo's compliance. However, the Oriole reports indicate that Goguryeo may be using this offer to buy time while they rebuild their strength. Their military activity has increased, though no aggressive moves have been made. The question I now pose to you all is this: how should we proceed?"

Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, his gaze moving across his advisors. He trusted their judgment, and each one brought a different perspective to the table. The room was quiet for a moment as the council digested the information, weighing the potential risks and rewards of Goguryeo's proposal.

Jia Xu, always the first to speak in such situations, cleared his throat and leaned forward slightly. "My lord, Gongsun Gong has acted prudently by demanding tribute, hostages, and unimpeded trade routes. These terms ensure that Goguryeo cannot easily break their word without severe consequences. However, the reports of increased military activity concern me. It is possible that they are using this peace offering as a ruse to rebuild their strength. I advise caution. We should accept their proposal, but only with strict oversight and contingency plans in place should they betray us."

Jia Xu's words hung in the air, his cold pragmatism setting the tone for the conversation. Next to speak was Xun You, who always give his opinion after Jia Xu gave his.

"My lord, Master Jia Xu raises a valid concern," Xun You began, his voice calm and deliberate. "However, we should not be too quick to dismiss the benefits of this tributary relationship. Goguryeo is a proud kingdom, but they are also pragmatic. They have suffered defeats at our hands, and their king recognizes the futility of continued conflict. By opening trade with them, we stand to gain economically while also binding them closer to us diplomatically. If handled properly, Goguryeo could become a long-term tributary vassal, or, at the very least, a neutralized threat."

Chen Qun, whose sharp legal mind was invaluable in matters of governance, nodded in agreement with Xun You but added his own perspective. "I agree with Master Xun You. The tributary system has long been a cornerstone of our foreign policy, ensuring that our neighbors acknowledge our superiority while contributing to the prosperity of the empire. However, we must ensure that the terms of this agreement are enforceable. The hostages are a good start, but we should also impose legal and administrative measures to oversee Goguryeo's compliance. A legal framework must be established to ensure that any breach of this agreement is met with swift and decisive action."

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Name: Lie Fan

Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains

Age: 32 (199 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