505. Goguryeo Received Jinseok Letter

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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 the previous dynasties' foreign policy, ensuring that our neighbors acknowledge our superiority while contributing to the prosperity of the previous dynasty.

"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."

Liu Ye leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "While I agree with the diplomatic and economic benefits outlined by Master Xun You and Master Chen Qun, we cannot ignore the military implications. If Goguryeo is indeed rebuilding its strength, we need to be prepared for the possibility of renewed conflict. I suggest that we increase our military presence in the region. Quietly, of course, while at the same time maintaining the facade of diplomacy. This way, if Goguryeo does intend to break the agreement, we will be ready to strike first."

Chen Gong offered a more cautious approach. "We must tread carefully. Goguryeo may be testing our resolve, seeking to gauge how far they can push before we retaliate. If we increase our military presence too overtly, they may perceive it as a threat and act preemptively. I suggest we use the Oriole agents to infiltrate Goguryeo more deeply, gathering intelligence on their true intentions. If we can confirm their plans, we will be in a much stronger position to act whether through diplomacy or force."

Lie Fan listened intently as his advisors spoke, carefully weighing each argument. There was merit in all of their perspectives. Jia Xu's caution, Xun You and Chen Qun's emphasis on diplomacy and legal structure, Liu Ye's readiness for military action, and Chen Gong's call for deeper intelligence were all valid points that needed to be considered.

Finally, Lu Su, spoke, his tone calm but firm. "My lord, this is a delicate situation that requires both strength and subtlety. We should proceed with the agreement as Gongsun Gong has outlined, but we must also take proactive steps to ensure that Goguryeo does not use this time to rebuild unchecked. Strengthening our intelligence network in the region, as Master Chen Gong suggested, is crucial."

"Additionally, we should use this trade agreement to flood Goguryeo with goods that will bind them to us economically. The more dependent they become on trade with us, the less likely they will be to break away and risk conflict, especially if the merchant's caste supports us. Over time, this economic dependency can be leveraged to increase our influence over them, without the need for overt military action."

Sima Yi, who had remained silent throughout the discussion, finally spoke, his voice as cold and calculating as ever. "Master Lu Su is right. This is not a matter of brute force, but of control. If we manage this correctly, Goguryeo will become entangled in our web of influence, unable to escape without severe consequences.

"However, we must not allow ourselves to become complacent. I recommend that we establish a secondary line of defense in the region. If Goguryeo shows even the slightest sign of betrayal, we should be ready to strike swiftly and decisively. This is a game of patience and precision, but if played correctly, we will come out on top."

Lie Fan nodded slowly, absorbing the various points of view presented by his council. He stood, signaling that he had made his decision. "We will proceed with the terms Gongsun Gong has proposed. Goguryeo will send tribute, open trade routes, and provide hostages. However, we will not be complacent. Gongda and Zhongda, oversee the strengthening of our military presence in the northeast—discreetly. Wenhe works with the Oriole agents to intensify our intelligence operations in Goguryeo. I want to know everything they are planning. Zijing, ensure that our trade agreement is structured in a way that maximizes their dependency on us. Gongtai, prepare our forces subtly to act swiftly should Goguryeo attempt any betrayal."

Each advisor nodded, understanding their respective roles in the unfolding plan. As they began to leave, Lie Fan looked out the window, the faint glow of the setting sun casting long shadows across the room.

Goguryeo had once been a formidable presence in the Korean Strait and even You Province, but now they sought peace. Whether this peace was genuine or a mere tactic to buy time, Lie Fan was ready.

His domain was strong, his advisors capable, and his armies ready. If Goguryeo tried to rebuild their strength and defy him, they would find themselves crushed before they could even take their first step.

For now, the game of diplomacy would continue, but Lie Fan would not let his guard down. In the world of politics and war, the greatest weapon was patience, and Lie Fan had mastered it well through years of experience.

As Lie Fan sat in the quiet of his study, he dipped his brush into the inkwell and began to draft the letter. His thoughts were sharp and precise as the ink flowed smoothly onto the parchment.

The letter was addressed to Gongsun Gong, who had shown wisdom in his dealings with Goguryeo. Gongsun Gong had successfully negotiated terms that ensured stability for now, and Lie Fan was keen to maintain this delicate balance.

In the letter, he praised Gongsun Gong's ability to navigate such a complex situation, highlighting how shrewd and diplomatic he had been in extracting favorable terms from the Goguryeo envoy.

Lie Fan's letter was more than just flattery, however. He also laid out the steps his council had agreed upon. The tribute from Goguryeo would be accepted, and hostages would be taken as part of the terms.

These hostages would serve as a guarantee, ensuring that Goguryeo adhered to the treaty and did not attempt to break away or rebuild its strength in secret. Additionally, the trade routes between the two territories would be opened, allowing for a flow of goods that would gradually make Goguryeo dependent on the Yu Merchant Group and Mi Clan controlled markets.

Lie Fan's mind raced through the possibilities. He knew that the stability of the northeast depended on ensuring that Goguryeo remained under control. Any sign of rebellion or defiance from them could spark unrest in the region, and that was something he would not tolerate.

His advisors had already discussed the importance of maintaining a military presence near Goguryeo's borders, and Lie Fan reiterated this in the letter. He promised Gongsun Gong that military reinforcements, both on land and at sea, were being prepared. The army and navy would be ready to strike at a moment's notice should Goguryeo break their promises or show signs of rebellion.

Once he finished writing the letter, Lie Fan let it dry briefly before rolling it carefully and sealing it with his personal stamp. He stood, stretching his arms as he whistled softly. The whistle echoed through the room, and moments later, a sleek black raven flew into the study.

This bird, trained meticulously by Lie Fan using a flute gifted to him by the system, landed gracefully on his outstretched arm. The raven's sharp eyes gleamed as it waited for its command. Lie Fan attached the letter to its leg, then whispered a few instructions. The raven gave a low caw before taking off into the sky, heading towards Xiangping to deliver the message to Gongsun Gong.

As Lie Fan's raven soared through the skies, a different scene was unfolding in Gungnae, the capital of Goguryeo. King Sansang, who had ruled Goguryeo through turbulent times, sat on his throne, the weight of recent events pressing heavily on his shoulders.

The rebellion of his brother Balgi had shaken the kingdom to its core, weakening the nation internally just as external threats grew more dangerous. The harsh consecutive defeats inflicted by Gongsun Gong had further drained their resources, leaving them with little choice but to negotiate peace, no matter how harsh the terms.

King Sansang had summoned his court to hear the contents of the letter sent by Jinseok, the envoy he had sent to negotiate with Gongsun Gong. The air in the throne room was thick with tension, and the courtiers and generals gathered around the king were eager to hear the content of Jinseok's letter.

Jinseok's messenger, having just returned from Xiangping, stood before the king, bowing respectfully before presenting the letter to King Sansang.

The king motioned for one of his advisors to read the letter aloud. As the words echoed through the hall, it became clear that the terms were exactly as harsh as they had anticipated.

Tribute was expected in large quantities, and Goguryeo was required to send either noble or royal hostages to ensure compliance. This last point, in particular, sparked an immediate uproar.

General Dae Mu, the kingdom's most seasoned and respected military leader, was the first to speak. His voice, filled with anger, cut through the murmurs of the court. "Hostages? Are we to send our own sons and daughters to live under the shadow of the Han? Have we truly fallen so low that we must bow to their every demand?"

Other generals and nobles nodded in agreement, their faces flushed with indignation. To send hostages, especially those of noble or royal blood, was not just a sign of submission but it was a deep humiliation. It was a practice that declared to the neighboring kingdoms that Goguryeo was too weak to guarantee its own independence.

King Sansang, though he shared his court's frustrations, raised his hand to silence the room. His voice was calm but firm as he addressed the assembly. "We do not have the luxury of pride right now. The rebellions have weakened us, and our consecutive defeats at the hands of Gongsun Gong have left us vulnerable. Yes, the terms are harsh. Yes, sending hostages is a bitter pill to swallow. But we must think of the future."

The king's words hung in the air, and while the room quieted, the tension remained palpable. General Dae Mu, though clearly dissatisfied, nodded in acknowledgment of the reality they faced. The truth was undeniable: Goguryeo could not afford another war, not after the damage caused by Balgi's rebellion and the defeats at the hands of their enemies.

They needed a large amount of time, time to rebuild their armies, time to strengthen their borders, time to revitalize their economy, and time to recover from the internal divisions that had torn at the kingdom's foundation.

One of King Sansang's advisors, named Dal Gae, stepped forward and said his opinion to King Sansang and the court. "The Han even though embroiled in interval infighting, are still strong enemies, and they know our position is weak. But this peace, though humiliating, will give us the breathing room we need. Once we have regained our strength, we will be able to renegotiate from a position of power, or perhaps even take back what was lost."

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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