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Mo Du and Dal Gae exchanged a glance before Mo Du spoke. "We could propose a gradual reduction of our standing army, rather than an immediate 50% cut. This would give us time to adjust and ensure that our defenses remain strong. As for the economic terms, we could suggest a phased implementation of the currency conversion, allowing our economy to adapt without being destabilized. And regarding the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau, we could propose a joint council, with representatives from both Goguryeo and Lie Fan's domain, to oversee its operations. This would ensure that our voice is heard and our interests are protected."
King Sansang considered this for a moment before nodding slowly. "It is a reasonable approach," he said. "But we must also consider the possibility that Lie Fan will reject our counter proposal and may even force even harsher terms. What then?"
Dal Gae stepped forward, his expression is resolute. "If Lie Fan rejects our counterproposal, then we must prepare for the possibility of conflict. But even in that case, we must do so strategically. We should seek alliances with other kingdoms to our south Baekje, Silla, and Gaya to put a united front while at the same time securing our rear, building up our defenses, and ensuring that our people are prepared for the challenges ahead. We may not be able to match Lie Fan's strength outright, but we can make it clear that any attempt to subjugate us will come at a great cost."
King Sansang's expression hardened at the mention of conflict, but he nodded in agreement. "Very well," he said. "We will prepare a counterproposal and present it to the envoy. But we must also prepare for the worst. Mo Du, I want you to oversee the drafting of the counterproposal. Dal Gae, you will begin preparations for the possibility of conflict. Strengthen our defenses, gather supplies, and reach out to Baekje, Gaya, and Silla to secure potential allies. We will not go down without a fight."
The advisors bowed deeply, their expressions a mixture of determination and apprehension. They knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but they also knew that they had no choice but to face them head on.
As the meeting concluded and the advisors set to work, King Sansang remained seated on his throne, his mind racing. The weight of the decision before him was immense, and he knew that the fate of his kingdom rested on his shoulders.
He thought of his people, of the generations that had come before him, and the generations that would come after. He thought of the rich history and culture of Goguryeo, of the pride and resilience that had defined his kingdom for centuries.
And he knew that, no matter what happened, he would do everything in his power to protect that legacy.
Meanwhile, in the chamber where Li Wei and his escort were staying, the envoy sat by a window, gazing out at the city of Gungnae. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the rooftops and streets below.
Li Wei's mind was occupied with thoughts of the meeting, of the anger and defiance he had seen in King Sansang's eyes. He knew that the road ahead would not be easy, but he also knew that the terms he had presented were necessary for the great purpose of his lord.
As he sat there, lost in thought, one of his elite guards approached him. "Sir," the guard said, his voice low, "do you think they will accept the terms?"
Li Wei sighed, his expression thoughtful. "I do not know," he admitted. "But I do know that we must be prepared for whatever comes next. Whether they accept the terms or reject them, our mission remains the same, to ensure the stability and security of Lord Lie Fan's rear which ensures the success of his plans."
The guard nodded, his expression resolute. "We will stand by you, sir, and guard you no matter what."
Li Wei smiled faintly, a sense of determination settling over him. "Thank you," he said. "Now, let us rest. Tomorrow will be another long day."
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the city of Gungnae was bathed in the soft light of twilight, both sides prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
Meanwhile, the night was long and fraught with tension as Mo Du and Dal Gae led the emergency conference in the grand hall at the east wing of the Goguryeo Palace.
The room, usually a place of order and decorum, was now alive with heated debates and impassioned arguments. Civil and military officials alike had gathered, their faces etched with concern and determination. The weight of the situation was palpable, and every word spoken carried the gravity of a kingdom's survival.
Mo Du, the elder statesman, stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding respect even as the room buzzed with dissent. Dal Gae, as the younger, energetic, and sharp minded advisor, moved among the officials, mediating disputes and ensuring that the discussions remained focused.
The task before them was monumental, to draft a counterproposal that would protect Goguryeo's sovereignty while avoiding the wrath of Lie Fan's growing empire. At the same time, they had to prepare for the possibility of war, strengthening their defenses and seeking alliances with neighboring kingdoms.
The conference began with a discussion of the counterproposal. Mo Du outlined the key points they had agreed upon earlier, a gradual reduction of the standing army, a phased implementation of the currency conversion, and the establishment of a joint council to oversee the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau. However, even these compromises were met with resistance from various factions within the court.
One faction, led by General Yeon Gaesomun, a fiery and ambitious military leader, argued that any reduction of the army, even gradual, was unacceptable. "Our military strength is the backbone of Goguryeo's sovereignty!" he declared, his voice booming across the hall. "To weaken it, even incrementally, is to invite disaster. We should reject these terms outright and prepare for war. Let Lie Fan come, we will show him the might of Goguryeo!"
Another faction, composed of more cautious civil officials, countered that outright rejection would lead to immediate conflict, a war they were ill prepared to fight. "We must be pragmatic," argued Minister Choi, a seasoned diplomat. "Our priority should be to buy time, time to strengthen our defenses, time to seek allies. The counterproposal is our best chance to avoid annihilation."
The debate raged on, with voices rising and tempers flaring. Dal Gae, as the mediator, stepped in to calm the room. "We cannot afford to be divided," he said, his tone firm but measured. "Every moment we spend arguing among ourselves is a moment lost in preparing for what lies ahead. We must find a middle ground, a solution that protects our sovereignty while avoiding unnecessary conflict."
Eventually, after hours of deliberation, a consensus was reached. The counterproposal would include the gradual reduction of the army, the phased implementation of the currency conversion, and the establishment of a joint council.
However, it would also include a clause demanding that Lie Fan provide military assistance to Goguryeo in the event of an external threat, a provision designed to ensure that Goguryeo's security was not compromised.
With the counterproposal drafted, the conference turned to the next pressing matter, which was strengthening Goguryeo's defenses.
General Yeon Gaesomun took the lead, outlining a plan to fortify key border regions, stockpile weapons and supplies, and train additional troops. "We must be ready for any eventuality," he said, his voice filled with determination. "If Lie Fan rejects our counterproposal, we will need every advantage we can get."
Funds were allocated for the construction of new fortifications and the procurement of military equipment. Officials were tasked with overseeing the logistics, ensuring that the preparations were carried out swiftly and efficiently. The sense of urgency was palpable, as every moment matter for the survival of Goguryeo.
Finally, the conference turned to the matter of diplomacy. Letters needed to be drafted to Baekje, Silla, and Gaya, urging them to cease their military aggression at Goguryeo's borders and join forces against the fracturing Han Dynasty to their northeast.
This was no small task as the relations between the kingdoms had been strained for years, marked by territorial disputes and occasional skirmishes. However, the threat posed by Lie Fan's growing empire was a common enemy, and there was hope that this shared danger could unite them.
Mo Du and Dal Gae worked closely with the court's most skilled diplomats to craft the letters. The tone was carefully calibrated, firm but respectful, emphasizing the mutual benefits of cooperation. "We must make it clear that our survival is intertwined," Mo Du said as he reviewed the drafts. "If Goguryeo falls, Baekje, Silla, and Gaya will be next. Only by standing together can we hope to withstand Lie Fan's advance."
As the night wore on, the conference showed no signs of slowing down. The officials worked tirelessly, fueled by a sense of purpose and the knowledge that the fate of their kingdom hung in the balance. The first light of dawn began to creep over the horizon, casting a pale glow over the palace grounds, but still, the work continued.
Finally, as the sun rose fully in the sky, the counterproposal and the diplomatic letters were completed. Mo Du, his face lined with exhaustion but his eyes sharp with determination, gathered the documents and made his way to King Sansang's royal chamber. The king had managed only a few hours of sleep, his rest fitful and troubled by the weight of the decisions before him.
Mo Du entered the chamber quietly, not wanting to disturb the king more than necessary. However, King Sansang was already awake, seated at his desk with a cup of tea in hand. His expression was weary but resolute, and he looked up as Mo Du approached.
"Your Majesty," Mo Du said, bowing deeply. "The counterproposal and the diplomatic letters are ready. We have done all we can to ensure that our response is both firm and pragmatic."
King Sansang took the documents and began to read, his brow furrowed in concentration. As he read, his expression shifted from concern to cautious optimism. "You have done well, Mo Du," he said at last, his voice filled with gratitude. "This counterproposal strikes the right balance. It protects our sovereignty while leaving room for negotiation. And the diplomatic letters, they are our best hope of securing allies."
Mo Du nodded, his expression solemn. "We must act quickly, Your Majesty. Every moment counts."
King Sansang rose from his seat, his weariness replaced by a sense of purpose. "Summon the envoy," he said. "It is time to present our counterproposal. And send the diplomatic letters to Baekje, Silla, and Gaya at once. We cannot afford any delays."
As Mo Du left to carry out the king's orders, King Sansang stood by the window, gazing out at the rising sun. The challenges ahead were immense, but he felt a renewed sense of determination. Goguryeo had faced countless trials throughout its history, and it had always emerged stronger. This time would be no different.
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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