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More troubling was the revelation that Goguryeo had already begun reaching out to Baekje, Gaya, and Silla to form a united front against him. The situation was escalating faster than he had anticipated, and the stakes were higher than ever for him which could impact the plans he had in mind.
Lie Fan's mind raced as he considered the implications. Goguryeo's counterproposal was not just a negotiation, it was a challenge to his authority, a test of his resolve. The alliance they sought to form with the southern kingdoms could secure their rear and create a formidable obstacle to his plans.
He knew he had to act swiftly, but the decision before him was not one to be made lightly. Diplomacy or war? The choice would shape the future of the region and determine the legacy of his rule on the Korean Peninsula.
Without hesitation, Lie Fan summoned his inner council of advisors. The urgency of the situation demanded their collective wisdom, and he needed their counsel to navigate the treacherous waters ahead.
Within moments, the most brilliant minds in his service, Jia Xu, Xun You, Chen Qun, Liu Ye, Chen Gong, Lu Su, Sima Yi, and Xu Shu, gathered in the west wing of his residence. The room, usually a place of calm deliberation, was now charged with tension as Lie Fan laid out the situation before them.
"Gentlemen," Lie Fan began, his voice steady but grave, "I have just received Goguryeo's counterproposal. They seek to negotiate terms that would allow them to retain a significant degree of autonomy while still aligning with our interests."
"However, their actions suggest that they are not acting in good faith. They have already begun reaching out to Baekje, Gaya, and Silla to form a united front against us. This is not just a matter of diplomacy, it is a direct challenge to our authority now."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. "I have called you here to seek your counsel. Should we continue down the path of diplomacy, or is it time to consider military action before Goguryeo can solidify this alliance? The decision we make today will have far reaching consequences on the plans we have made, and I need your insights to guide us."
The advisors exchanged glances, their expressions a mixture of concern and determination. Jia Xu, his sly thinking already at work, was the first to speak. "My lord, Goguryeo's counterproposal is a clear attempt to buy time. They seek to weaken our terms while strengthening their own position.
"The fact that they are already seeking alliances with the southern kingdoms which was their enemies is a sign that they do not intend to submit willingly. If we allow them to form this united front, it will complicate our efforts to secure the region. I recommend swift and decisive action, strike before they can consolidate their forces."
Xun You, looking for a more measured approach, nodded thoughtfully. "I agree that Goguryeo's actions are concerning, but we must also consider the risks of immediate military action. A war now would impact our plan, since we all have a plan to subjugate Yi Province which means we have to face Shi Xie, and the war on multiple fronts would stretch our resources thin and could destabilize the region further.
"Diplomacy, while slower, may still yield results if we can isolate Goguryeo from potential allies. We should explore all options before committing to a course of action that could lead to prolonged conflict."
Chen Qun, after Jia Xu and Xun You, added his voice to the discussion. "My lord, the counterproposal itself is not without merit. The phased implementation of our terms could allow Goguryeo to adapt without causing widespread unrest. However, their outreach to Baekje, Gaya, and Silla is a clear indication that they are preparing for the possibility of war. We must be prepared to respond in kind if diplomacy fails."
Liu Ye, who had been quietly listening, leaned forward. "My lord, I believe we should pursue a dual approach. Continue diplomatic negotiations with Goguryeo to keep them off balance while simultaneously working to undermine their efforts to form alliances. The southern kingdoms in the peninsula are not monolithic, they have their own rivalries and grievances toward each other. If we can exploit these divisions, we may be able to prevent a united front from forming."
Chen Gong, his expression thoughtful, added, "We should also consider the role of the Oriole Agents in this matter. Their network is vast and their reach is unparalleled in Goguryeo, we should expand toward Baekje, Gaya, and Silla as well. If we can use them to gather intelligence and sow discord among Goguryeo's potential allies, we may be able to weaken their position without resorting to open conflict."
Lu Su, the most diplomatic of the group, offered a different perspective. "My lord, while I understand the concerns about Goguryeo's intentions, we must not underestimate the power of diplomacy. A negotiated settlement, even if it requires some concessions, could secure our interests without the cost of war. We should explore every avenue for peace before committing to a path that could lead to unnecessary bloodshed."
Sima Yi, his sharp intellect evident in his piercing gaze, spoke next. "My lord, Goguryeo's actions are a test of our resolve. If we show weakness now, it will embolden not only them but also other potential adversaries. We must respond with strength, but that does not necessarily mean immediate military action. A show of force, combined with strategic diplomacy, could compel Goguryeo to reconsider their position and stop their subtle actions."
Xu Shu, the last to speak, offered a cautious note. "My lord, we must also consider the morale of our people and the soldiers who would bear the brunt of any conflict. A prolonged war could strain our resources and weaken our position in the long term. We should weigh the costs and benefits carefully before making a decision."
Lie Fan listened intently to each advisor, his expression thoughtful as he considered their words. The room fell silent as he leaned back in his chair, his mind racing through the possibilities. The decision before him was not an easy one, but he knew that hesitation could be just as dangerous as rash action.
After a long moment, Lie Fan spoke, his voice firm and resolute. "Gentlemen, your counsel has been invaluable. It is clear that Goguryeo's actions pose a significant threat, but we must respond with both strength and wisdom. Here is my decision, we will continue diplomatic negotiations with Goguryeo, but we will do so from a position of strength. Zhongda, head to Xiangping and join Li Wei there, you will lead the negotiations, ensuring that our terms are clear and non-negotiable."
"Wenhe, Zhangwen, and Gongda you will oversee the preparation of our military forces. If diplomacy fails, we must be ready to act swiftly and decisively. Ziyang and Gongtai, you will work with the Oriole Agents to undermine Goguryeo's efforts to form alliances. Exploit any divisions among the southern kingdoms and ensure that they remain fragmented. Zijing and Yuanzhi, you will focus on maintaining the morale of our people and ensuring that our resources are allocated efficiently."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "This is not just about Goguryeo, it is about the future of the diplomatic relations we have with outside works after uniting the land. We cannot afford to falter now. Let us move forward with determination and unity. The decisions we make today will shape the destiny of our people for generations to come."
The advisors nodded in agreement, their expressions a mixture of resolve and determination. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but they also knew that they were serving a leader whose vision and resolve were unmatched. As they left the room to carry out their tasks, Lie Fan remained seated, his mind still racing with the weight of the decisions before him.
Meanwhile, Lie Fan's advisors dispersed to carry out their assigned tasks, and the weight of their responsibilities settled heavily on their shoulders.
Each of them understood that the decisions made in the coming days would not only determine the outcome of the Goguryeo situation but also set a precedent for how Lie Fan's empire would handle future diplomatic and military challenges outside of China. The stakes were high, and the pressure to succeed was immense.
Jia Xu, as the cunning strategist he is, alongside Chen Qun and Xun You immediately began drafting a plan to strengthen Lie Fan's negotiating position. They knew that diplomacy was only as effective as the leverage behind it, and they intended to ensure that Goguryeo understood the consequences of defiance.
They also focused on the logistical and strategic preparations for potential military action. They coordinated with military commanders to ensure that troops were ready to mobilize at a moment's notice.
Supplies were stockpiled, fortifications were reinforced, and contingency plans were drawn up for various scenarios. The goal was to project an image of overwhelming strength, one that would deter Goguryeo from escalating the conflict while also preparing for the possibility of war.
Sima Yi, tasked with leading the negotiations, prepared to depart for Xiangping, where he would meet with Li Wei and take charge of the delicate discussions with Goguryeo. His sharp intellect and unwavering resolve made him the ideal choice for such a critical mission.
Chen Gong and Liu Ye, working closely with the Oriole Agents, began their efforts to undermine Goguryeo's attempts to form alliances with Baekje, Gaya, and Silla. The Oriole Agents' vast network of spies and informants was activated, spreading disinformation and sowing discord among the southern kingdoms.
The goal was to exploit existing rivalries and prevent a united front from forming against Lie Fan's empire. It was a delicate and dangerous game, but one that Chen Gong and Lu Su were well-equipped to play.
Xu Shu and Lu Su, tasked with maintaining morale and resource allocation, worked tirelessly to ensure that the people and soldiers remained united and focused.
They organized public addresses, distributed resources efficiently, and implemented measures to boost morale among the troops. His efforts were crucial in maintaining stability and ensuring that Lie Fan's empire remained strong and resilient in the face of external threats.
As the advisors carried out their tasks, the gears of Lie Fan's empire began to turn with precision and purpose. The situation with Goguryeo was a test of their collective resolve, and they were determined to rise to the challenge.
Far to the northeast, in the city of Xiangping, Zhuge Liang and Pang Tong had finally arrived after a long and arduous journey. The city, a bustling hub of activity, was a stark contrast to the quiet countryside they had traveled through. As they approached the Governor's Castle, they were met by Gongsun Gong and his subordinates, who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.
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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