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But for now, Hyejin had managed to hold her own. She knew that this was just the beginning of a much larger game, one that would require all of her cunning and skill to survive. But if there was one thing Hyejin had learned from her time in the court of Goguryeo, it was that survival often depended on one's ability to adapt. And adapt, she would do for her and the other's survival.
As the conversation between Hyejin and Lie Fan continued, the atmosphere became more intricate, each question carefully framed to elicit information without seeming overly intrusive. Lie Fan's tone remained calm and conversational, but his intent was clear. He was probing deeper, shifting the dialogue towards more significant topics, topics that would give him insight into the inner workings of Goguryeo.
"So tell me, Lady Hyejin," Lie Fan began, his fingers lightly drumming against the table, "what can you share about the current state of Goguryeo? I am curious about your government, your economy, and your people's culture. In my time studying your language, I have also taken an interest in your nation's way of life."
Hyejin's heart quickened, though she maintained her poised demeanor. This was the moment she had anticipated. Lie Fan was not merely engaging in casual conversation; he wanted to extract information—valuable intelligence that could provide him with leverage over Goguryeo.
Whether he sought to destabilize her homeland or simply gain a tactical advantage, Hyejin knew that she had to tread with the utmost caution. She could not afford to let too much slip, but neither could she appear evasive. It was a delicate balance.
She smiled gently, her expression betraying none of her inner wariness. "Goguryeo is a land rich in history and tradition, Lord Lie Fan. Our culture is deeply rooted in our past, and we take great pride in maintaining the legacy of our ancestors. Family, loyalty, and honor are central to our way of life. As for our government, it is much like any other kingdom. The royal family holds power, supported by a network of noble families and officials who oversee the various regions of the kingdom."
Hyejin chose her words carefully, offering just enough detail to satisfy his curiosity without revealing anything that could be used against her people. She spoke in generalities, touching on the strength of Goguryeo's leadership and the unity of its people, but she made sure to avoid any specifics that could hint at internal conflicts or vulnerabilities.
Lie Fan nodded thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving her face. "I see. And how does your economy fare? I imagine that such a vast and powerful kingdom must have a complex system in place to support its growth and development."
Hyejin hesitated for the briefest moment before responding. Lie Fan's interest in Goguryeo's economy was telling. He wanted to know the strength of the kingdom's resources—how well it could sustain itself in times of war or peace. Again, she would have to be careful.
"Our economy is strong, Lord Lie Fan," Hyejin said smoothly. "Our people are industrious, and we have a thriving trade network that spans across the region. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, but we also have skilled craftsmen and merchants who contribute to our prosperity. King Sansang and the court officials have worked hard to ensure that the kingdom remains self-sufficient and resilient, even in difficult times."
Lie Fan's expression remained impassive, but Hyejin could sense that he was processing every word, weighing its significance. She knew that he was still testing her, searching for any signs of weakness or inconsistency in her answers. The conversation had become a battlefield of words, and Hyejin was determined not to lose ground.
"And what of your court?" Lie Fan pressed on, his voice casual but his intent sharp. "The royal family must have many advisers, individuals who help guide the king's decisions. Do they all share the same vision for Goguryeo's future?"
Hyejin inwardly bristled at the question, recognizing it for what it was—a subtle attempt to uncover divisions within the Goguryeo court. If there were factions or political strife within the kingdom, Lie Fan would undoubtedly seek to exploit them. But Hyejin would not give him that advantage.
"Our court is united in its service to the king and the people," she said, her tone firm but not defensive. "As with any government, there are differing opinions on certain matters, but ultimately, all decisions are made with the best interests of the kingdom in mind. We are a proud nation, and our leaders are committed to ensuring the continued prosperity and security of Goguryeo."
Lie Fan leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips. Hyejin could tell that he was impressed by her responses, though she also knew that he would not stop there. The conversation was a layered one, and every word she spoke could be analyzed and twisted to his advantage. But she remained resolute, determined to protect the interests of her homeland.
"You speak well, Lady Hyejin," Lie Fan said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration. "It is clear that you are deeply loyal to your people. I respect that."
"Thank you, Lord Lie Fan," Hyejin replied, offering him a slight bow of her head. "I believe that loyalty is one of the most important virtues a person can possess. Without it, there can be no trust, no stability."
Lie Fan's eyes flickered with interest at her words, as though he were contemplating their deeper meaning. For a moment, the room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with the weight of their unspoken thoughts.
Finally, Lie Fan rose from his seat, signaling the end of their meeting. "I believe we have spoken enough for today. You have given me much to think about, Lady Hyejin. I appreciate your candidness and insight."
Hyejin rose as well, offering him a respectful bow. "It has been an honor to speak with you, Lord Lie Fan."
As she turned to leave, her heart still racing with the intensity of their exchange, she could feel Lie Fan's gaze following her. She knew that this was only the beginning—that their interactions would continue to be a delicate dance of diplomacy and strategy. But for now, she had survived the first test.
Once Hyejin had been escorted back to the mansion by the servants, Jia Xu and Wang Yi entered the grand hall where the meeting had taken place. Both men, trusted advisers of Lie Fan, bowed respectfully before taking their places by his side.
"Well?" Jia Xu asked, his voice low and calculating. "What do you make of her, my lord?"
Lie Fan remained silent for a moment, his eyes still lingering on the door through which Hyejin had just exited. "She is dangerous," he said finally, his tone measured. "But also valuable."
Wang Yi raised an eyebrow, intrigued by his master's assessment. "Dangerous in what way, my lord?"
"She is intelligent, perceptive," Lie Fan explained, pacing slowly around the room. "She did not reveal anything of great importance, but her answers were too careful, too deliberate. She is clearly well-versed in the art of diplomacy, and she knows how to play the game. If handled improperly, she could become a thorn in our side."
Jia Xu nodded thoughtfully. "But if handled correctly, she could also be an asset," he mused. "Perhaps even a key to influencing Goguryeo from within."
Lie Fan stopped in his tracks, turning to face his advisers. "Exactly. She may prove to be the leverage we need. If we can gain her trust—or at least her cooperation—she could provide us with valuable insights into the workings of the Goguryeo court. And through her, we may be able to exert influence over her people."
Wang Yi crossed his arms, his expression contemplative. "It will be a delicate operation, my lord. Someone like her will not be easily swayed."
Lie Fan smiled faintly, a gleam of determination in his eyes. "No, she will not. But that only makes the game more interesting. We will take our time, carefully placing each piece on the board. And when the moment is right, we will make our move."
Jia Xu and Wang Yi exchanged a glance, both understanding the weight of their leader's words. They knew that Lie Fan was a master strategist, and if he believed that Hyejin could be used to further his goals, then they would follow his lead.
"What do you propose, my lord?" Jia Xu asked, his voice filled with quiet deference.
Lie Fan turned towards the window, his gaze fixed on the city beyond. "We will continue to observe her closely. Let her believe that she has some measure of freedom, but ensure that we know her every move. I will have another meeting with her soon. In time, she will reveal more—whether she intends to or not."
With that, the meeting came to a close, and Jia Xu and Wang Yi bowed once more before departing. Lie Fan remained by the window, lost in thought. He knew that the path ahead was fraught with danger, but he also knew that the rewards could be immense.
Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Hyejin sat by her window, her mind racing with thoughts of the day's events. She knew that she had managed to navigate the first encounter with Lie Fan she felt it was successful, but she also understood that the battle was far from over.
This was a game of wits, a dance of power, and both she and Lie Fan were skilled players. The question now was not whether they would continue to test each other, but how far each of them would be willing to go.
And Hyejin, despite the fear that still lingered in her heart, knew one thing for certain—she would not back down. For the sake of her people, and for the future of Goguryeo, she would play the game the best she could.
To the southeast of Xiapi, in Xiangyang, the bustling capital of Jing Province, Liu Bei sat in the grand hall of his newly established seat of power. The hall was impressive, with banners of his emblem hanging from tall columns and a sense of authority emanating from every corner.
However, despite the physical trappings of leadership, Liu Bei knew that his position was still precarious. He had gained the favor of the people and held the loyalty of key generals such as Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, but the rapidly changing political landscape meant that his current foothold was far from secure.
Liu Bei was deep in thought when a court official entered the hall, bowing respectfully before stepping forward with a scroll in hand. "My lord," the official began, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of urgency, "a traveling scholar has arrived from the southern regions of Jing Province. He brings news of three hermits who are said to possess unparalleled wisdom and insight. It is also said that these men have trained students who are now becoming renowned as the brightest strategists in the land."
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Name: Lie Fan
Title: Overlord Of The Central Plains
Age: 32 (199 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