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The Oriole agents among them subtly guided the conversation, ensuring that the plan aligned with Lie Fan's objectives. They knew that once the attack on Xiangping was launched, it would create the chaos needed to force King Sansang's hand and pave the way for the establishment of the Lie Clan Supervision Bureau.
Meanwhile, Yeon Gaesomun remained unaware of the true nature of the forces manipulating him. To him, this was a righteous act of defiance, a way to protect Goguryeo from the corruption and weakness of its leaders.
He could not see that he was merely a pawn in a much larger game, his actions carefully orchestrated to serve the interests of a foreign power. And that most of his loyal subordinates, have turned their back on him either due to promises of power or riches or due to being blackmailed.
As the meeting drew to a close, Yeon Gaesomun stood tall, his resolve unshaken. "Gentlemen," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination, "the road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but we cannot falter. Goguryeo's future depends on us. Let us move swiftly and decisively. For our kingdom, for our people, we will prevail."
The officers nodded, their expressions a mix of determination and apprehension. They knew the risks, but they also understood the stakes.
As they left the study, each man who was still loyal to Yeon Gaesomun carried with him a sense of purpose, unaware that their actions were part of a carefully crafted plan to reshape Goguryeo according to Lie Fan's vision.
After the meeting in Yeon Gaesomun's residence concluded, Choi Minho and Park Daegu, along with three other high ranking military officials and generals, left together. Their departure was calm and deliberate, giving no indication of the clandestine mission they were about to undertake.
To any casual observer, they appeared to be nothing more than a group of officers leaving a routine strategy session. But beneath the surface, their movements were calculated, their destination carefully chosen.
They were not heading to the palace to meet with King Sansang or any of his advisors. Instead, they were making their way to the east wing of the palace, where Sima Yi and Li Wei were staying.
The journey through the palace grounds was fraught with potential risks. The palace was a labyrinth of corridors and courtyards, bustling with maids, servants, and guards.
Any misstep could draw unwanted attention, and the last thing they needed was for their meeting with Sima Yi and Li Wei to be discovered. Fortunately, the Oriole agents had anticipated this. Like shadows moving in the periphery, they worked tirelessly to ensure the group's passage went unnoticed.
One Oriole agent, disguised as a palace servant, intercepted a group of maids carrying linens, engaging them in a lengthy conversation about an upcoming banquet.
Another agent, posing as a guard, redirected a patrol away from the east wing, claiming there had been a disturbance near the stables that required their immediate attention.
These subtle manipulations created a clear path for Choi Minho and his companions, allowing them to reach their destination without incident.
When they arrived at Sima Yi and Li Wei's quarters, they found the two men already waiting for them in the living room. The atmosphere was calm and composed, a stark contrast to the tension that had filled Yeon Gaesomun's study.
Sima Yi sat at the head of the room, his posture relaxed but commanding, a cup of tea in his hand. Li Wei sat beside him, his expression thoughtful as he sipped from his own cup. On the low table in front of them, several additional cups had been prepared, steam rising gently from the freshly brewed tea.
The group entered the room and greeted Sima Yi and Li Wei with deep bows, their respect for the strategist evident in their demeanor. Sima Yi acknowledged them with a nod and a faint smile, gesturing for them to take a seat. "Welcome," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I trust your journey here was uneventful?"
Choi Minho, the de facto leader of the group, nodded as he took a seat. "Yes, Master Sima Yi. Thanks to the efforts of your agents, we encountered no difficulties."
Sima Yi's smile widened slightly, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Good. I am pleased to hear it. Now, tell me, how did the meeting with Yeon Gaesomun proceed?"
The group exchanged glances before Choi Minho began to speak. "The meeting went as planned. Yeon Gaesomun is furious about the rumors we planted. He believes King Sansang is willing to sacrifice himself and his family to appease Lord Lie Fan. His pride has been wounded, and his anger is driving him to act."
Park Daegu, seated beside Choi Minho, added, "We informed him of the state of the military, how Jang Gidu's corruption has left the soldiers unpaid and demoralized. Yeon Gaesomun was incensed. He sees this as a betrayal of everything he has fought for."
Sima Yi listened intently, his expression unreadable. He took a slow sip of his tea before setting the cup down. "And the plan to attack Xiangping? How did he respond to that bait?"
Choi Minho leaned forward slightly, his voice lowering as if to emphasize the gravity of his words. "He agreed to it, Master Sima Yi. The idea of striking at Xiangping resonated with him. He sees it as a way to restore Goguryeo's honor and remind the world of its strength. We estimate that he will mobilize the army within three to five days."
A faint smile played on Sima Yi's lips as he absorbed the information. "Excellent," he said, his tone filled with quiet satisfaction. "You have done well. Your efforts will not go unrewarded."
The group visibly relaxed at his words, their tension easing. Sima Yi's praise was highly valued by them, not only it was a testament to the success of their mission, but it was also a life saving grace for them to reach a higher rank in the new government.
Sima Yi turned to Li Wei, who had been quietly observing the conversation. "Envoy Li Wei," he said, "please draft a letter to Gongsun Gong, Zhuge Liang, and Pang Tong. Inform them of the impending attack on Xiangping and instruct them to prepare accordingly. If possible, they should aim to destroy at least seventy percent of Goguryeo's forces. This will ensure that King Sansang has no leverage to delay or renegotiate our request for the establishment."
Li Wei nodded, his expression serious. "Understood, Master Sima Yi. I will see to it immediately."
Sima Yi turned his attention back to the group, his gaze sweeping across their faces. "As for all of you," he said, his tone firm but not unkind, "you will receive the rewards you were promised. Your loyalty and discretion have been invaluable, and I do not forget those who serve me well. However,"
He added, his voice taking on a sharper edge, "Let this be a reminder that your cooperation is not optional. The blackmail we hold over you will remain unused, so long as you continue to serve our interests. Should you falter or betray us, the consequences will be severe."
The room fell silent, the weight of Sima Yi's words hanging in the air. The men seated before him understood the stakes. They had been drawn into this web of intrigue through a combination of promises and threats, and there was no turning back now. Their fates were inextricably tied to the success of Sima Yi's plans.
Choi Minho was the first to break the silence. "You have our word, Master Sima Yi. We will not fail you."
Sima Yi nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I know you will not. Now, return to your duties and continue to monitor Yeon Gaesomun's movements. Keep me informed of any developments."
The group rose from their seats, bowing deeply before taking their leave. As they exited the room, the weight of their actions settled heavily on their shoulders. They were playing a dangerous game, one that could have far-reaching consequences for Goguryeo and its people. But for now, they had no choice but to follow the path they had chosen.
Once the door closed behind them, Sima Yi turned to Li Wei, his expression thoughtful. "Envoy Li Wei," he said, "the pieces are falling into place. Yeon Gaesomun's attack on Xiangping will be the catalyst we need to force King Sansang's hand. But we must remain vigilant. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, and we cannot afford any missteps."
Li Wei nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I understand, Master Sima Yi. I will ensure that the letter is sent without delay and that the governor and master's are prepared for what is to come."
Sima Yi leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant as he contemplated the next steps. "Good. The storm is coming, Envoy Li Wei. And when it arrives, we must be ready to seize the opportunity it presents."
After Sima Yi's instructions, Li Wei wasted no time. He hurriedly gathered the necessary materials, a sheet of fine parchment, a pot of freshly ground ink, and a brush with bristles sharpened to a fine point.
The room was silent except for the soft scratching of the brush against the parchment as Li Wei began to draft the letter. His strokes were deliberate, each character carefully formed to convey the urgency and precision of the message.
The letter was not merely a warning, it was a blueprint for the impending conflict, a document that would shape the course of the battle to come.
Li Wei's mind raced as he wrote, his thoughts a whirlwind of strategy and foresight. He included every detail that could aid Gongsun Gong, Zhuge Liang, and Pang Tong in their preparations.
The Oriole agents had provided invaluable intelligence, details about the Goguryeo army's composition, their supply lines, their likely routes of attack, and even the morale of their troops.
This information was crucial, and Li Wei made sure to emphasize its importance in the letter. He knew that Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, with their unparalleled strategic minds, would use this intelligence to craft a plan that would maximize the damage to the Goguryeo forces while minimizing losses on their own side.
The letter also outlined Sima Yi's broader objectives. Li Wei made it clear that the attack on Xiangping was not merely a defensive operation but a calculated move to weaken Goguryeo's military power and force King Sansang into submission.
The destruction of at least seventy percent of Goguryeo's forces was not just a suggestion, it was a directive, one that would leave King Sansang with no choice but to accept Lie Fan's terms.
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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