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Jia Xu, after that, added, "We should also consider the broader implications of this situation. The Goguryeo Merchants are acting on the orders of King Sansang, which suggests that Goguryeo itself is interested in acquiring gunpowder. And this could have significant consequences, since it means they were trying to break free from the tribute agreement we have imposed on them. We must be prepared for the possibility of further movement from Goguryeo."
Lie Fan's expression grew somber as he considered Jia Xu's words. "You are right, Wenhe. The stakes are higher than we initially realized. We must not only protect the secrets of gunpowder but also ensure that Goguryeo wouldn't be able to break their tribute pact. I will leave it to you to develop a strategy to address this."
Jia Xu bowed. "I will begin work on it immediately, my lord."
As the meeting concluded, Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing with the possibilities. The game of power and intrigue was far from over, and the stakes had never been higher.
The secrets of gunpowder were a valuable asset, but they were also a potential liability if they fell into the wrong hands. Lie Fan knew that he had to tread carefully, balancing the need for secrecy with the necessity of maintaining control over his domain.
Back in the outer towns of Xiapi, the hired robbers had reached their first target, a seemingly unremarkable warehouse on the outskirts of the city.
Unbeknownst to them, the warehouse was a decoy, set up by the Oriole Agents to lure them into a trap. As the robbers prepared to breach the building, they were suddenly surrounded by a group of shadowy figures, their movements swift and silent.
The leader of the Oriole Agents onsite, a man known for only his code name as Night Owl, stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. "You are trespassing on restricted property. Lay down your weapons and surrender, or face the consequences."
The robbers, caught off guard, hesitated for a moment before drawing their weapons. But they were no match for the Oriole Agents, who moved with precision and efficiency. Within moments, the robbers were disarmed and subdued, their mission thwarted before it had even begun.
Night Owl knelt beside the leader of the robbers, his expression cold and unyielding. "Who sent you?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing.
The robber, his face pale with fear, stammered, "W-we were hired by the Goguryeo Merchants. They wanted us to find information about this thing called gunpowder!"
Night Owl's eyes narrowed, but he said nothing. He had expected as much. Rising to his feet, he signaled to his agents. "Take them to the holding facility. We will interrogate them further."
As the robbers were led away, Night Owl turned his gaze toward the city, his expression thoughtful. The Goguryeo Merchants were persistent, but they were also reckless.
Their repeated attempts to infiltrate Xiapi had only served to expose their intentions and weaken their position. The Oriole Agents had the upper hand, and Night Owl was determined to ensure that it remained that way.
The following morning, Lie Fan received a report from Night Owl detailing the capture of the hired robbers and the information gleaned from their interrogation.
The report confirmed what Lie Fan and his advisors had suspected, the Goguryeo Merchants were acting on the orders of King Sansang, and their efforts to uncover the secrets of gunpowder were part of a larger strategy to gain an advantage over their merchant rivals and to use it to overthrow his tribute pact at Goguryeo.
Lie Fan sat in his study, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders. The flickering light of the lantern cast long shadows across the room, mirroring the complexity of the decisions he now faced.
Goguryeo, once a subdued tributary bound by the terms of a peace treaty, was slowly becoming a thorn in his side. Despite the hostages he held, sons and daughters of Goguryeo's noble families, the kingdom was quietly gathering information and strength, biding its time to break free from the tribute it had been forced to pay. This was no longer a mere nuisance; it was a growing threat that could not be ignored.
The timing could not have been worse. Lie Fan was in the midst of preparing for three monumental tasks, securing Yi Province, thwarting Cao Cao's ambitions to conquer the same region, and laying the groundwork for his eventual declaration as Emperor.
Each of these endeavors required meticulous planning, resources, and focus. If Goguryeo chose to strike while he was preoccupied with these challenges, it could destabilize his rear, leaving his northeastern border vulnerable.
Gongsun Gong and his army were stationed there, but they were not enough to handle a full scale rebellion or invasion from Goguryeo, especially if it was so carefully planned. Lie Fan knew he had to act decisively, but the question was how.
He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him as he weighed his options. There were two paths he could take, each with its own risks and rewards. The first option was to impose even harsher demands on Goguryeo, measures that would cripple their military capabilities and strip King Sansang of a significant portion of his power.
This approach would allow Lie Fan to maintain control without diverting too many resources from his other plans. However, it risked provoking Goguryeo into open rebellion, which could escalate into a conflict he was not yet prepared to handle.
The second option was more aggressive, sending an army to the northeastern border to join forces with Gongsun Gong and launch a full scale invasion of Goguryeo. This would not only eliminate the threat but also bring the kingdom under his direct control.
Bureaucrats and Oriole Agents could then be sent to consolidate the region, rooting out any remaining resistance. While this approach would secure his northeastern flank, it would also stretch his resources thin and delay his plans for Yi Province and his ascension as Emperor.
Lie Fan let out a deep sigh, his mind racing as he considered the implications of each choice. He personally favored the first option, as it aligned with his broader strategy of consolidating power within China before expanding beyond its borders.
However, he knew that this decision was too significant to make alone. He needed the counsel of his inner circle of advisors, men whose wisdom and strategic acumen had guided him through countless challenges.
With a firm resolve, Lie Fan summoned his advisors to the grand hall. Sima Yi, Zhuge Liang, Jia Xu, and the others arrived promptly, their expressions serious as they took their seats around the table. Lie Fan wasted no time in laying out the situation.
"Goguryeo is becoming a problem," he began, his voice calm but laced with urgency. "Despite the hostages we hold and the tribute they pay, they are quietly gathering strength and information, likely preparing to break free from our control. This comes at a critical time, as we are preparing to secure Yi Province, counter Cao Cao's ambitions, and lay the groundwork for my ascension as Emperor. If Goguryeo takes advantage of our preoccupation, it could destabilize our northeastern border. I have two options in mind, and I need your counsel on which path to take."
He proceeded to outline the two options, which were imposing harsher demands on Goguryeo to weaken them further or launching a military campaign to conquer the kingdom outright. The advisors listened intently, their expressions thoughtful as they considered the implications of each choice.
Sima Yi was the first to speak. "My lord, while the second option offers a more permanent solution, it would require significant resources and could delay our plans for Yi Province and your ascension. The first option, though less decisive, allows us to maintain our focus on the tasks at hand while keeping Goguryeo in check. However, we must ensure that the measures we impose are severe enough to cripple their ability to rebel without provoking them into open conflict."
Zhuge Liang nodded in agreement. "Brother Zhongda speaks wisely. The first option aligns with our broader strategy of consolidating power within China before expanding beyond its borders. However, we must also consider the possibility that Goguryeo may see our increased demands as a sign of weakness and attempt to exploit it. We must be prepared to respond swiftly and decisively if they choose to defy us."
Jia Xu, his intrigue and sly mind already working, added, "There is also the matter of timing. If we impose harsher demands now, it could buy us the time we need to secure Yi Province and counter Cao Cao's ambitions. Once those tasks are complete, we can turn our full attention to Goguryeo and deal with them as necessary. In the meantime, we should strengthen our northeastern border and increase surveillance on Goguryeo's activities."
Lie Fan listened carefully, his mind weighing the advisors' counsel. He appreciated their insights and the careful consideration they had given to the situation. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Your counsel is invaluable, as always. I am inclined to pursue the first option, as it allows us to maintain our focus on the tasks at hand while keeping Goguryeo in check."
"However, we must also prepare for the possibility that they may defy our demands and attempt to rebel. Zhongda, I task you to work alongside Changwen and Zijing with drafting the new terms for Goguryeo. Ensure that they are severe enough to cripple their ability to rebel but not so harsh as to provoke immediate conflict."
Sima Yi alongside Chen Qun and Lu Su bowed slightly, receiving his order. "It will be done, my lord."
Lie Fan then turned to Zhuge Liang. "Kongming, I want you with Shiyuan to head to Xiangping and work with Gongsun Gong to strengthen our northeastern border. Increase patrols, fortify defenses, and ensure that we are prepared to respond swiftly if Goguryeo attempts to defy us."
Zhuge Liang nodded, his expression resolute. "Understood, my lord. I will ensure that our defenses are impenetrable."
Finally, Lie Fan addressed Jia Xu. "Wenhe, I want you and Lady Wang Yi to coordinate with the Oriole Agents to increase surveillance on Goguryeo's activities. We must stay one step ahead of them and anticipate their moves before they can act."
Jia Xu bowed. "I will begin work on it immediately, my lord."
As the meeting concluded, Lie Fan felt a sense of resolve settle 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.
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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