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He paused, allowing the commanders to absorb the information before continuing. "Second, we will fortify Xiangping's defenses. The city's walls are strong, but we must ensure they are impenetrable. We will station archers and artillery like Hwacha along the walls, ready to repel any assault. Additionally, we will dig trenches and set up barricades around the city's perimeter, forcing the enemy to fight on our terms."
Pang Tong added, "We must also consider the psychological aspect of warfare. The Goguryeo army is fueled by anger and pride, but these emotions can be turned against them. We will use deception and misinformation to sow confusion and discord within their ranks. By the time they reach Xiangping, they will be disorganized and demoralized, ripe for defeat."
The commanders listened intently, their initial skepticism replaced by a growing sense of admiration for the two strategists. The plan was bold and intricate, but it was also meticulously crafted, leaving little room for error.
One of the commanders, a grizzled veteran named General Li, raised his hand. "What about our own supply lines? If we are to sustain a prolonged defense, we must ensure that our troops are well fed and well equipped."
Zhuge Liang smiled, appreciating the question. "A valid concern, General Li. We have already taken steps to secure our supply lines. Local farmers and merchants have been enlisted to provide food and resources, and we have established hidden caches of supplies throughout the region. Additionally, we have coordinated with nearby towns and villages to ensure a steady flow of reinforcements and provisions."
Pang Tong added, "We must also consider the possibility of a prolonged siege. If the Goguryeo army is unable to breach our defenses, they may attempt to starve us out. To counter this, we have stockpiled enough supplies to last several months. Furthermore, we have identified secret routes in and out of the city, allowing us to maintain communication and resupply even under siege."
The commanders nodded, their confidence in the plan growing with each passing moment. Gongsun Gong, who had been quietly observing the discussion, stepped forward.
"Commanders," he said, his voice filled with determination, "the strategy laid out by Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong is our best chance at victory. But it will require discipline, coordination, and unwavering resolve. Each of you has a crucial role to play, and I trust that you will carry out your duties with the utmost dedication."
The hall erupted in a chorus of affirmations, the commanders voicing their commitment to the cause. Gongsun Gong turned to Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong, his expression one of gratitude and respect. "Thank you," he said simply, though the weight of his words was unmistakable.
As the meeting drew to a close, the commanders dispersed to carry out their orders. The city of Xiangping, once a peaceful hub of trade and commerce, was now a fortress preparing for war.
The streets buzzed with activity as soldiers fortified the walls, dug trenches, and set up barricades. The people of Xiangping, though anxious, were reassured by the presence of their leaders and the meticulous planning that had gone into their defense.
Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong remained in the hall, their minds already turning to the next phase of their strategy. They knew that the coming battle would be a test of their skills and resolve, but they were confident in their plan.
The Goguryeo army was formidable, but they were also predictable. With careful planning and precise execution, Xiangping would stand firm, and the tide of war would turn in their favor.
As the sun set over the city, casting long shadows across the bustling streets, the stage was set for a confrontation that would shape the future of the region. The storm was coming, but Xiangping was ready.
Meanwhile, back in Goguryeo, within the military headquarters at Gungnae, Jang Gidu sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of paperwork. The room was dimly lit, the flickering light of a single oil lamp casting long shadows across the walls.
Jang Gidu's brow was furrowed in concentration as he meticulously reviewed reports and signed orders. Despite his reputation for indulgence in drinking and gambling, he had sworn to himself, and to King Sansang, that he would prove his worth as the head of Goguryeo's military.
He had stripped away his vices, dedicating himself entirely to his duties. He knew he was not the most talented general, nor the most respected, but he was determined to show that King Sansang's trust in him had not been misplaced.
As he worked, a knock sounded at the door, sharp and urgent. Jang Gidu looked up, his expression one of mild annoyance. "Come in," he called, his voice firm but weary.
The door opened, and in stepped Hyung Bo, Jang Gidu's vice general and second in command. Hyung Bo was a man of average build, his face weathered by years of service.
He cupped his hands in a respectful greeting, but his body language betrayed his anxiety. His hands trembled slightly, and his voice quivered as he spoke. "General Jang Gidu," he began, his tone urgent, "I bring troubling news."
Jang Gidu set down his brush and leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "What is it, Hyung Bo? Speak plainly."
Hyung Bo took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush. "There have been movements within the army, General. I intercepted a secret message, an order for the troops to prepare themselves and march toward Xiangping tonight. The message was unsigned, but the language and tone suggest it came from someone of high authority."
Jang Gidu's hand, which had been reaching for his brush, froze mid-air. The brush slipped from his fingers, clattering onto the desk and leaving a splatter of ink across the paperwork.
He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone floor. "What did you say?" he demanded, his voice rising. "An order to march on Xiangping? Who issued it? Do you know who is behind this?"
Hyung Bo shook his head, his expression grim. "I do not know for certain, General, but I suspect it is former General Yeon Gaesomun. There have been rumors circulating among the troops, rumors that King Sansang plans to execute Yeon Gaesomun and his entire clan to appease Lie Fan. If these rumors are true, it would explain why he is taking such drastic action."
Jang Gidu's mind raced as he processed the information. Yeon Gaesomun, the former commanding general and his superior, was a man of immense pride and influence.
If he felt betrayed by King Sansang, it was entirely plausible that he would attempt to retaliate. But an unauthorized mobilization of the army? That was tantamount to rebellion.
"This cannot stand," Jang Gidu said, his voice low and dangerous. "Hyung Bo, I want a thorough investigation launched immediately. Identify the source of this order and determine who is involved. And send word to all generals, they are to stand down and await further instructions. No one moves without my direct command."
Hyung Bo nodded, his expression one of relief. "Understood, General. I will see to it at once."
Before Hyung Bo could turn to leave, the door to Jang Gidu's office was suddenly and violently thrown open. The heavy wooden door slammed against the wall, the sound echoing through the room. In strode Choi Minho, flanked by a handful of armed soldiers. Their expressions were cold and unyielding, their hands resting on the hilts of their swords.
Jang Gidu's eyes widened in shock and anger. "Choi Minho!" he barked, his voice filled with fury. "What is the meaning of this? Do you dare to rebel against your commanding general?"
Hyung Bo, reacting instinctively, drew his sword and stepped in front of Jang Gidu, shielding him from the intruders. His grip on the hilt was firm, but his eyes betrayed his fear. "Stay back!" he warned, his voice trembling. "You will not lay a hand on the general!"
Choi Minho regarded the two men with a cold, almost detached expression. He made no move to draw his weapon, but the soldiers behind him shifted uneasily, their hands tightening on their swords.
"General Jang Gidu," Choi Minho said, his voice calm and measured, "you and your vice general will be found dead tonight. The official report will state that the two of you were drunk, engaged in a squabble over the money you embezzled from the military funds, and in your rage, you killed each other."
Jang Gidu's face turned pale, his anger giving way to disbelief. "What… what are you saying? This is madness! I have never embezzled a single coin! And you, you would dare to frame me? To kill me?"
Choi Minho's lips curled into a faint smirk. "It is not my decision, General. These orders come from a higher authority."
Before Jang Gidu could respond, the soldiers behind Choi Minho began to move. They carried jars of wine, which they began to pour onto the floor and splash around the room. Others scattered forged documents and bags of coins, creating the illusion of corruption and debauchery. The scene was being staged to perfection, every detail meticulously planned.
Jang Gidu's shock turned to rage. "You traitorous bastards!" he roared, drawing his sword and stepping forward. "I will not let you tarnish my name! I will not let you destroy everything I have worked for!"
Hyung Bo moved to stand beside him, his sword raised in defense. "General, we must fight our way out of here!"
Choi Minho remained unmoved, his expression one of cold indifference. "It is futile," he said. "The orders come from Lord Lie Fan himself. This is not Yeon Gaesomun's doing. It is the will of a greater power."
Jang Gidu's eyes widened in horror. "Lie Fan? You… you serve him? You would betray Goguryeo for a foreign power?"
Choi Minho did not respond. Instead, he raised his hand, signaling the soldiers to attack. The room erupted into chaos as the soldiers lunged forward, their swords flashing in the dim light. Jang Gidu and Hyung Bo fought valiantly, their movements fueled by desperation and rage. But they were outnumbered and outmatched.
The fight was brutal and short. Jang Gidu and Hyung Bo fought with everything they had, but the soldiers were relentless. In the end, both men fell, their bodies crumpling to the floor amidst the wreckage of the staged scene. The soldiers stepped back, their faces impassive as they surveyed their handiwork.
Choi Minho knelt beside Jang Gidu's lifeless body, his expression unreadable. "You were a loyal servant of Goguryeo," he said quietly, almost to himself. "But loyalty is a fragile thing in times like these." He then stood and turned to the soldiers. "Clean this up. Make it look convincing. The official story must hold."
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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