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His ability to exploit the divisions within the kingdom's leadership, his meticulous selection of officials for the bureau, and his foresight in recommending Li Wei for a key role all demonstrated his exceptional skill as a strategist and diplomat. Lie Fan was particularly pleased with Sima Yi's initiative in choosing competent and loyal officials for the bureau, ensuring that it would function effectively and remain aligned with his vision.
Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, his mind racing with the implications of the report. The situation in Goguryeo was unfolding exactly as he had hoped. The kingdom's internal strife had created an opening for his influence to take root, and the establishment of the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau would solidify his control.
Yet, Lie Fan knew that the road ahead was still fraught with challenges. The divisions within Goguryeo's court could easily spiral out of control, and the loyalty of the officials selected for the bureau would need to be carefully monitored.
As he pondered the next steps, Lie Fan's thoughts turned to Li Wei. The report had mentioned Sima Yi's intention to recommend Li Wei as the head of the bureau, a decision that Lie Fan found both prudent and promising.
Li Wei had proven himself to be a capable and loyal envoy, and his diplomatic skills would be invaluable in navigating the complexities of Goguryeo's political landscape.
Since Li Wei had come in contact with Goguryeo the longest amongst the diplomatic envoy he had and knew some if it's court intrigues. Lie Fan made a mental note to approve Sima Yi's recommendation once it was formally submitted.
Back in Gungnae, Sima Yi and Li Wei continued their work, unaware that their efforts had already reached Lie Fan's desk. The selection process for the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau was nearing completion, and the list of candidates had been finalized.
Sima Yi had carefully chosen officials who were not only competent but also genuinely committed to Lie Fan's vision. These individuals would form the backbone of the bureau, ensuring its effectiveness and integrity.
As the sun set over Gungnae, casting a golden glow over the city, Sima Yi and Li Wei sat in their quarters, reviewing the final list of candidates. The atmosphere was one of quiet satisfaction, tempered by the knowledge that their work was far from over.
"We have done well," Sima Yi said, his tone calm but filled with a sense of accomplishment. "The Goguryeo officials we have selected are capable and loyal to Lord Lie Fan. They will serve the bureau and guard Lord Lie Fan interest well."
Li Wei nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed, Master Sima Yi. But I think we must remain caution. The divisions within Goguryeo's court are deep, and the bureau's work will not be easy, even if we had positioned the bureau with power below the king himself. We must ensure that our chosen officials remain steadfast in their commitment and protected as well."
Sima Yi's smile was faint but knowing. "You are right, Envoy Li Wei. The true test lies ahead. But I have faith in our choices and at the same time your ability to lead them."
Li Wei's eyes widened in surprise. "Master Sima Yi, are you suggesting that…?"
Sima Yi nodded, his expression serious. "Yes, Envoy Li Wei. I intend to recommend you to Lord Lie Fanas the head of the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau. Your competence, loyalty, and diplomatic skill alongside the only envoy under Lord Lie Fan have deep knowledge of Goguryeo, make you the ideal candidate for this role. I have no doubt that you will excel at it perfectly."
Li Wei was momentarily speechless, his mind racing with the implications of Sima Yi's words. The position was one of immense responsibility, and the challenges it entailed were daunting. Yet, he also felt a sense of pride and determination. If Sima Yi believed in him, then he would not let him down.
"Master Sima Yi," Li Wei said, his voice filled with gratitude and resolve, "I am honored by your trust. I will do everything in my power to fulfill this role and ensure the success of the bureau."
Sima Yi's smile widened, a rare display of warmth from the usually reserved strategist. "I have no doubt that you will, Envoy Li Wei. Together, we will secure Lord Lie Fan's vision for the future of peace and prosperity."
The next morning, the palace of Goguryeo buzzed with an air of anticipation and unease. The request from Sima Yi and Li Wei for a formal court session had spread like wildfire among the officials, each one speculating about the purpose of such an unprecedented demand.
The request was unusual, even audacious, and it stirred a mix of curiosity and resentment among the courtiers. For Sima Yi, a foreign strategist, to demand a full assembly of Goguryeo's highest ranking officials was seen by many as an overreach, a challenge to the king's authority.
Yet, despite the murmurs of discontent, no one dared to ignore the summons. King Sansang had ordered it, and his word was law.
Previsouly in the royal gardens, King Sansang had been enjoying a rare moment of tranquility with his wife, Queen Woo. The pavilion where they sat was a sanctuary of beauty, surrounded by blooming flowers and the gentle sound of a nearby stream.
The king, whose temper had been frayed by the constant pressures of ruling a divided kingdom, found solace in his wife's presence. Queen Woo, ever the voice of reason and calm, had a way of soothing her husband's restless mind. She spoke softly, her words laced with wisdom, reminding him of the importance of patience and composure in the face of adversity.
When the eunuch arrived with the request from Sima Yi and Li Wei, the king's mood shifted instantly. His brow furrowed, and his jaw tightened as he read the message. The audacity of the request struck a nerve. "How dare they?" he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with anger. "A formal court session? With all my officials present? Do they think they can dictate terms to me?"
Queen Woo, sensing her husband's rising temper, placed a gentle hand on his arm. "My lord," she said softly, "I understand your frustration, but we must tread carefully. Sima Yi is no ordinary man, and his actions are always calculated. Perhaps it would be wise to hear what he has to say. Acting in anger will only play into his hands."
King Sansang turned to his wife, his expression a mix of irritation and admiration. He knew she was right. Queen Woo had always been his anchor, her calm demeanor a counterbalance to his fiery temperament. Taking a deep breath, he nodded. "You are right, as always," he conceded. "We will see what they want. But this… this feels like a challenge to my authority."
Queen Woo smiled faintly. "It may feel that way, my lord, but remember, you are the king. No matter what they propose, the final decision rests with you. Let us hear them out and respond with a clear mind."
With that, King Sansang called for his attendants and began to prepare for the court session. He changed into his formal robes, the heavy fabric adorned with intricate embroidery symbolizing his royal status.
As he dressed, his mind raced with possibilities. What could Sima Yi and Li Wei possibly want that required the presence of the entire court? The thought gnawed at him, but he pushed it aside, determined to maintain his composure.
Meanwhile, in the grand hall of the palace, the officials began to gather. The room was vast, with high ceilings and ornate decorations that reflected the grandeur of Goguryeo's royal court. The officials, dressed in their finest robes, took their places according to rank, their expressions a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with unspoken questions.
Sima Yi and Li Wei stood at the front of the hall, their demeanor calm and composed. Sima Yi, ever the strategist, had anticipated the king's reaction and the unease his request would cause.
He knew that the success of their plan depended not only on the strength of their proposal but also on their ability to navigate the delicate dynamics of Goguryeo's court.
Li Wei, standing beside him, felt the weight of the moment. He had spent years maintaining the relationships Lie Fan had with Goguryeo, and now, was the culmination of all that effort.
When King Sansang entered the hall, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to the king as he took his seat on the throne, his expression unreadable. The officials bowed deeply, their voices echoing in unison. "Long live the king!"
King Sansang raised his hand, signaling for them to rise. His gaze swept across the room, lingering for a moment on Sima Yi and Li Wei. "Master Sima Yi and Envoy Li Wei, You requested this audience," he said, his voice firm but measured. "Speak, and let us hear what you have to say."
Sima Yi stepped forward, his posture respectful but confident. "Your Majesty," he began, "we come before you today with a request that we in line with the terms you had accepted several days ago. The recent turmoil within your court has created divisions that threaten the unity of your kingdom."
"It is our hope that, with your order, the establish of the new institution that Lord Lie Fan had requested, a bureau dedicated to overseeing matters of governance and diplomacy. The Lie Clan Supervision Bureau, will serve as a bridge between our peoples, ensuring that the interests of both Goguryeo and our lord, Lie Fan, are aligned."
The grand hall erupted in murmurs as the officials exchanged glances, some nodding in cautious agreement, others shaking their heads in disapproval. King Sansang's expression remained stoic, but his eyes narrowed slightly. "Creating the bureau, you say?" he replied. "Why the rush and who would oversee this bureau? Who would ensure that it serves the interests of Goguryeo and not just lord Lie Fan?"
Sima Yi nodded, as if he had anticipated the question. "Your Majesty, It's not a rush as I only asking it according to the terms that you have accepted, and also we have taken great care in selecting individuals who are not only competent but also deeply committed to the prosperity of Goguryeo."
"We present to you a list of candidates, each one chosen for their integrity and dedication to ensure the cleanliness of the bureau, away from corruption or abuse of power. We believe with that, alongside Envoy Li Wei in the helm of the bureaus leadership, this bureau will serve as a force for unity and progress not just for Lord Lie Fan, but for Goguryeo as well."
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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